Theater seating

ABSTRACT

Theater seating systems, theater lounge seats, theater seats, and theater seating arrangements are described herein. An example embodiment of a theater seating system comprises a separating panel and a theater seat. The separating panel has a first end, a second end, a first section, a second section, a third section, and a fourth section. The first section, the second section, the third section, and the fourth section cooperatively define a chamber within which the theater seat is disposed. The first end is separated from the second end to define an opening that provides access to the chamber defined by the separating panel.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/753,358, filed on Jun. 29, 2015. The entire contents of this relatedapplication are hereby incorporated into this disclosure by reference.

FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to the field of theater seating.Specific examples relate to theater seating systems, theater loungeseats, theater seats, and theater seating arrangements.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, theaters are arranged to include multiple rows of seatsthat are separated by aisles. For example, in movie theaters, the seats,rows, and aisles are arranged to maximize the number of seats in thetheater and limit one audience member to each seat. In addition, theseats disposed within a theater are generally identical and fail toprovide any privacy or separation between audience members seatedadjacent to one another. By including seats that are identical to oneanother, current theater arrangements do not provide an audience memberwith the option of selecting between alternative types of seating, whichresults in each audience member attending a performance having anidentical experience. Furthermore, maximizing the number of seats in atheater can negatively affect an audience member's comfort and alsodiminish the audience member's line of sight during a performance.

A need exists, therefore, for improvements in theater seating.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SELECTED EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Theater seating systems are described herein. An example embodiment of atheater seating system comprises a separating panel and a first theaterseat. The separating panel has a separating panel lengthwise axis, afirst end, a second end, a first section, a second section, a thirdsection, and a fourth section. The separating panel lengthwise axisextends through the second section and the fourth section. The firstsection extends from the first end to the second section. The secondsection extends from the first section to the third section. The thirdsection extends from the second section to the fourth section. Thefourth section extends from the third section to the second end. Thefirst section, the second section, the third section, and the fourthsection cooperatively define a chamber. The first end is separated fromthe second end to define an opening that provides access to the chamber.The first end is separated from the second end by a first length. Thethird section has a second length that extends from the second sectionto the fourth section. The second length is greater than the firstlength. The first theater seat disposed within the chamber.

Theater lounge seats are described herein. An example embodiment of adouble theater lounge seat comprises a base, a cushion, a first table,and a second table. The base comprises a first end, a second end, afirst side, a second side, a bottom, and a body that defines a recess, acurved surface, and a storage chamber. The recess is sized andconfigured to receive a portion of the cushion. The cushion is sized andconfigured to seat a first audience member and a second audience member.An example embodiment of a single theater lounge seat comprises a base,a cushion, a first table, and a second table. The base comprises a firstend, a second end, a first side, a second side, a bottom, and a bodythat defines a recess, a curved surface, and a storage chamber. Therecess is sized and configured to receive a portion of the cushion. Thecushion is sized and configured to seat a first audience member.

Theater seats are described herein. An example embodiment of a theaterseat comprises a table, a seat pan, a backrest, a headrest, a footrest,a first armrest, and a second armrest. The theater seat is movablebetween a first, upright, configuration and a second, reclined,configuration.

Theater seating arrangements are described herein. An example embodimentof a theater seating arrangement comprises a theater, a first theaterseating system, a second theater seating system, a first aisle, and asecond aisle. The theater has a first wall, a second wall, a third wall,a fourth wall, a floor, and a ceiling. The first wall, the second wall,the third wall, the fourth wall, the floor, and the ceilingcooperatively defining an audience area. The first theater seatingsystem is disposed within the audience area and comprises a firstseparating panel and a first theater seat. The first separating panelhas a first separating panel lengthwise axis, a first separating panelfirst end, a first separating panel second end, a first separating panelfirst section, a first separating panel second section, a firstseparating panel third section, and a first separating panel fourthsection. The first separating panel lengthwise axis extends through thefirst separating panel second section and the first separating panelfourth section. The first separating panel first section, the firstseparating panel second section, the first separating panel thirdsection, and the first separating panel fourth section cooperativelydefine a first separating panel chamber. The first separating panelfirst end is separated from the first separating panel second end todefine a first separating panel opening that provides access to thefirst separating panel chamber. The first separating panel first end isseparated from the first separating panel second end by a first length.The first separating panel third section has a second length thatextends from the first separating panel second section to the firstseparating panel fourth section. The second length is greater than thefirst length. The first theater seat is disposed within the firstseparating panel chamber. The second theater seating system is disposedadjacent to the first theater seating system and within the audiencearea. The second theater seating system comprises a second separatingpanel and a second theater seat. The second separating panel has asecond separating panel lengthwise axis, a second separating panel firstend, a second separating panel second end, a second separating panelfirst section, a second separating panel second section, a secondseparating panel third section, and a second separating panel fourthsection. The second separating panel lengthwise axis extends through thesecond separating panel second section and the second separating panelfourth section. The second separating panel first section, the secondseparating panel second section, the second separating panel thirdsection, and the second separating panel fourth section cooperativelydefine a second separating panel chamber. The second separating panelfirst end is separated from the second separating panel second end todefine a second separating panel opening that provides access to thesecond separating panel chamber. The second separating panel first endis separated from the second separating panel second end by a thirdlength. The second separating panel third section has a fourth lengththat extends from the second separating panel second section to thesecond separating panel fourth section. The fourth length is greaterthan the third length. The second theater seat is disposed within thesecond separating panel chamber. The first aisle is disposed between thefirst wall of the theater and the first theater seating system. Thesecond aisle is disposed between the second wall of the theater and thesecond theater seating system. The first separating panel third sectionand the second separating panel third section are disposed between thefirst aisle and the second aisle and adjacent to one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a theaterseating system. Each of the first seat and the second seat is in a firstconfiguration and the table is in a first position.

FIG. 1A is a magnified view of area 1A illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the theater seating system illustrated inFIG. 1. Each of the first seat and the second seat is in a secondconfiguration and the table is in a second position.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the theater seating systemillustrated in FIG. 2, taken along line 3-3.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the theater seating system illustrated inFIG. 1. Each of the first seat and the second seat is in a secondconfiguration and the table is in a first position.

FIG. 5 is another elevation view of the theater seating systemillustrated in FIG. 1. Each of the first seat and the second seat is ina second configuration and the table is in a third position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another example embodiment of a theaterseating system. Each of the first seat and the second seat is in a firstconfiguration and the table is in a first position.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the theater seating system illustrated in FIG.6. Each of the first seat and the second seat is in a secondconfiguration.

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the theater seating system illustrated inFIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a doubletheater lounge seat.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the double theater lounge seat illustrated inFIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an elevation view of the double theater lounge seatillustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a singletheater lounge seat.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the single theater lounge seat illustrated inFIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an elevation view of the single theater lounge seatillustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a theaterseat.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another example embodiment of a theaterseat.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a theaterseating arrangement.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of the theater seating arrangement illustrated inFIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the theater seating arrangementillustrated in FIG. 18, taken along line 19-19.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of another example embodiment of a theaterseating arrangement.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another example embodiment of a doubletheater lounge seat.

FIG. 22 is a plan view of another example embodiment of a theaterseating arrangement.

FIG. 23 is a plan view of another example embodiment of a theaterseating arrangement.

FIG. 24 is a partial view of an alternative embodiment of a theaterseating system. The cup holder is shown in a first position.

FIG. 25 is another partial view of the theater seating systemillustrated in FIG. 24. The cup holder is shown in a second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description and the appended drawings describeand illustrate various example embodiments of theater seating systems,theater lounge seats, theater seats, and theater seating arrangements.The description and illustration of these examples are provided toenable one skilled in the art to make and use a theater seating system,a theater lounge seat, a theater seat, and a theater seatingarrangement. They are not intended to limit the scope of the claims inany manner.

The use of “e.g.,” “etc.,” “for instance,” “example,” and “or,” andgrammatically related terms, indicates non-exclusive alternativeswithout limitation, unless otherwise noted. The term “theater” refers toa structure within which members of a seated audience experienceentertainment. Example structures include, but are not limited to,auditoriums, motion picture theaters, amphitheaters, classrooms, theaterhouses, dance halls, and any other suitable structure.

FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 illustrate an example embodiment of a theaterseating system 10. The theater seating system 10 comprises a separatingpanel 12, a first theater seat 14, a second theater seat 16, a seatdivider 18, a table 20, a wall 22, a hook 24, and a light source 26.

The separating panel 12 has a lengthwise axis 27, a first end 30, asecond end 32, a top surface 34, a bottom surface 36, an inner surface38, an outer surface 40, a first section 42, a second section 44, athird section 46, and a fourth section 48. In the illustratedembodiment, the first section 42, the second section 44, the thirdsection 46, and the fourth section 48 cooperatively define a chamber 50that is sized and configured to receive the first theater seat 14, thesecond theater seat 16, the seat divider 18, the table 20, the wall 22,the hook 24, and the light source 26. The outer surface 40 of each ofthe first section 42, the second section 44, the third section 46, andthe fourth section 48 comprise a continuous piece of material.

In the illustrated embodiment, the inner surface 38 is formed of a firstmaterial and the outer surface 40 is formed of a second material that isdifferent than the first material. Any suitable material can be used toform an inner surface or an outer surface of a separating panel andselection of a suitable material can be based on various considerations,such as the desired soundproofing intended to be incorporated into aseparating panel and/or the desired rigidity intended to be incorporatedinto a separating panel. Example materials considered suitable to forman outer surface and/or an inner surface include metals, plastics,polymers, fiberglass, leather, suede, acoustic soundproofing material,acoustic soundproofing panels, acoustical walls, foam panels,insulation, mineral wool, acoustic soundproofing drywall, and any othermaterial considered suitable for a particular embodiment. In theillustrated embodiment, the inner surface 38 is formed of an acousticalwall and the outer surface 40 is formed of leather.

The first section 42 extends from the first end 30 to the second section44. The first section 42 has a length 29 that extends from the first end30 to the second section 44, a first height 31 at the first end 30 thatextends from the top surface 34 to the bottom surface 36, and a secondheight 33 between the first end 30 and the second section 44 thatextends from the top surface 34 to the bottom surface 36. In theillustrated embodiment, the first height 31 of the first section 42 isless than the second height 33 of the first section 42 such that thefirst section 42 increases in height from the first end 30 toward thesecond section 44. As best illustrated in FIG. 4, this structuralarrangement defines a predefined curve 52 along the top surface 34 ofthe first section 42. The first section 42 has a first thickness 35 atthe first end 30 that extends from the inner surface 38 to the outersurface 40 and a second thickness 37 between the first end 30 and thesecond section 44 that extends from the inner surface 38 to the outersurface 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the first thickness 35 isless than the second thickness 37 such that the thickness of the firstsection 42 increases from the first end 30 toward the second section 44.

While the first section 42 has been illustrated as having a height thatincreases from the first end 30 toward the second section 44 and athickness that increases from the first end 30 toward the second section44, a first section can have any suitable structural arrangement.Selection of a suitable structural arrangement for a first section canbe based on various considerations, including the structural arrangementof a first seat and/or second seat disposed within a chamber defined bya separating panel. Example heights considered suitable for a firstsection include a first height that is equal to a second height suchthat the first section has a continuous height along its length, a firstheight that is greater than a second height such that the first sectionhas a height that decreases along its length, a first height and/orsecond height that is greater than, about, equal to, or less than 24.5inches, and any other height considered suitable for a particularembodiment. Example thicknesses considered suitable for a first sectioninclude a first thickness that is equal to a second thicknesses suchthat the first section has a continuous thickness along its length, afirst thickness that is greater than a second thickness such that thefirst section decreases in thickness from the first end toward thesecond section, a first thickness and/or second thickness that is equalto, greater than, less than, or about, 2.5 inches, and any otherthickness considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

The second section 44 extends from the first section 42 to the thirdsection 46. The second section 44 has a first predefined curve 54 and asecond predefined curve 56. The first predefined curve 54 extends fromthe first section 42 and toward a first plane 58 that contains thelengthwise axis 27 of the separating panel 12. The second predefinedcurve 56 extends from the third section 46 and toward the first plane58. The structural arrangement of each of the first predefined curve 54and the second predefined curve 56 defines a rounded corner of theseparating panel 12. The second section 44 has a length 39 that extendsfrom the first section 42 to the third section 46, a first height 41between the first section 42 and the first plane 58, a second height 43at the first plane 58, and a third height 45 between the first plane 58and the third section 46. Each of the first height 41, second height 43,and the third height 45 extends from the top surface 34 to the bottomsurface 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the second section 44 isdisposed from the first end 30 by 38 inches as measured on thelengthwise axis 27, the first height 41 of the second section 44 is lessthan the second height 43 of the second section 44, and the secondheight 43 of the second section 44 is greater than the third height 45of the second section 44. This arrangement provides a second section 44that increases in height from the first section 42 toward the firstplane 58 and increases in height from the third section 46 toward thefirst plane 58. The second section 44 has a first thickness 47 betweenthe first section 42 and the first plane 58 and a second thickness 49between the first plane 58 and the third section 46. Each of the firstthickness 47 and the second thickness 49 extends from the inner surface38 to the outer surface 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the firstthickness 47 is greater than the second thickness 49 such that thethickness of the second section 44 decreases from a first locationbetween the first section 42 and the first plane 58 to a second locationbetween the first plane 58 and the third section 46.

While the second section 44 has been illustrated as having a particularstructural arrangement, a second section can have any suitablestructural arrangement and selection of a suitable structuralarrangement for a second section can be based on various considerations,including the structural arrangement of a first seat and/or second seatdisposed within a chamber defined by a separating panel. Example heightsconsidered suitable for a second section include a first height that isequal to, or greater than, a second height, a third height that is equalto, or greater than, a second height, a first height, second height,and/or third height that is less than, greater to, equal to, or about 42inches, and any other height considered suitable for a particularembodiment. Example thicknesses considered suitable for a second sectioninclude a first thickness that is equal to a second thicknesses suchthat the second section has a continuous thickness along its length, afirst thickness that is less than a second thickness such that thesecond section increases in thickness from the first section toward thethird section, a first thickness and/or second thickness that is equalto, greater than, less than, or about, 2.5 inches, and any otherthickness considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Exampledistances considered suitable to position a second section from a firstend, as measured on the lengthwise axis of a separating panel, includedistances equal to, less than, greater than, and about 38 inches.

The third section 46 extends from the second section 44 to the fourthsection 48. The third section 46 has a length 51 that extends from thesecond section 44 to the fourth section 48, a first height 53 betweenthe second section 44 and a second plane 150 that is disposed orthogonalto the lengthwise axis 27, and a second height 55 between the secondplane 150 and the fourth section 48. Each of the first height 53 and thesecond height 55 extends from the top surface 34 to the bottom surface36. The length 51 of the third section 46 is greater than the length 29of the first section 42 and the distance disposed between the first end30 and the second end 32 as measured on an axis that is disposedparallel to the lengthwise axis 27. The distance the outer surface 40 ofthe first section 42 is disposed from the outer surface 40 of the thirdsection 46, as measured on an axis disposed orthogonal to the lengthwiseaxis 27, is equal to 65 inches. In the illustrated embodiment, the firstheight 53 of the third section 46 is greater than the second height 55of the third section 46 such that the third section 46 decreases inheight from the second section 44 toward the fourth section 48. As bestillustrated in FIG. 3, this structural arrangement defines a predefinedcurve 62 along the top surface 34 of the third section 46. The thirdsection 46 has a first thickness 57 between the second section 44 andthe second plane 150 and a second thickness 59 between the second plane150 and the fourth section 48. Each of the first thickness 57 and thesecond thickness 59 extends from the inner surface 38 to the outersurface 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the first thickness 57 isless than the second thickness 59 such that the thickness of the thirdsection 46 increases from a first location between the second section 44and the second plane 150 to a second location between the second plane150 and the fourth section 48.

While the third section 46 has been illustrated as having a particularstructural arrangement, a third section can have any suitable structuralarrangement and selection of a suitable structural arrangement for athird section can be based on various considerations, including thestructural arrangement of a first seat and/or second seat disposedwithin a chamber defined by a separating panel. Example heightsconsidered suitable for a third section include a first height that isequal to, or less than, a second height, a first height and/or secondheight that is less than, greater than, equal to, or about 42 inches,and any other height considered suitable for a particular embodiment.Example thicknesses considered suitable for a third section include afirst thickness that is equal to a second thicknesses such that thethird section has a continuous thickness along its length, a firstthickness that is greater than a second thickness such that the thirdsection decreases in thickness from the second section toward the fourthsection, a first thickness and/or second thickness that is equal to,greater than, less than, or about, 3.5 inches, and any other thicknessconsidered suitable for a particular embodiment. Example distancesconsidered suitable to position a third section relative to a firstsection, as measured on an axis, or plane, that is disposed orthogonalto the lengthwise axis of a separating panel, include distances equalto, less than, greater than, and about 65 inches.

The fourth section 48 extends from the third section 46 to the secondend 32. The fourth section 48 has a first predefined curve 64 and asecond predefined curve 66. The first predefined curve 64 extends fromthe third section 46 and toward the first plane 58. The secondpredefined curve 66 extends from the second end 32 and toward the firstplane 58. The structural arrangement of each of the first predefinedcurve 64 and the second predefined curve 66 defines a rounded corner ofthe separating panel 12. The fourth section 48 has a length 61 thatextends from the third section 46 to the second end 32, a first height63 between the third section 46 and the first plane 58, and a secondheight 65 at the second end 32. The length 61 of the fourth section 48is less than the length 39 of the second section 44 and each of thefirst height 63 and the second height 65 extends from the top surface 34to the bottom surface 36. The distance the outer surface 40 of thesecond section 44 is disposed from the outer surface 40 of the fourthsection 48, as measured along the lengthwise axis 27, is equal to 75.5inches. In the illustrated embodiment, the first height 63 of the fourthsection 48 is greater than the second height 65 of the fourth section 48such that the fourth section 48 decreases in height from the thirdsection 46 toward the second end 32. In the illustrated embodiment, thesecond height 65 of the fourth section 48 is equal to 15 inches. As bestillustrated in FIG. 4, a portion 70 of the top surface 34 of the fourthsection 48 is defined at an angle 67 relative to the outer surface 40such that the height of the inner surface 38 of the separating panel 12at portion 70 is less than the height of the outer surface 40 at portion70. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle is less than 90 degrees.The fourth section 48 has a first thickness 69 between the third section46 and the first plane 58 and a second thickness 71 between the firstplane 58 and the second end 32. Each of the first thickness 69 and thesecond thickness 71 extends from the inner surface 38 to the outersurface 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the first thickness 69 isgreater than the second thickness 71 such that the thickness of thefourth section 48 decreases from a location between the third section 46and the first plane 58 to a second location between the first plane 58and the second end 32.

While the fourth section 48 has been illustrated as having a particularstructural arrangement, a fourth section can have any suitablestructural arrangement and selection of a suitable structuralarrangement for a fourth section can be based on various considerations,including the structural arrangement of a first seat and/or second seatdisposed within a chamber defined by a separating panel. Example heightsconsidered suitable for a fourth section include a first height that isequal to, or less than, a second height, a first height and/or secondheight that is less than, greater than, equal to, or about 16.5 inches,and any other height considered suitable for a particular embodiment.Example thicknesses considered suitable for a fourth section include afirst thickness that is equal to a second thicknesses such that thefourth section has a continuous thickness along its length, a firstthickness that is less than a second thickness such that the fourthsection increases in thickness from the third section toward the secondend, a first thickness and/or second thickness that is equal to, greaterthan, less than, or about, 2.0 inches, and any other thicknessconsidered suitable for a particular embodiment. For example, thethickness at portion 70 can be equal to, greater than, or less than, 7.5inches and/or the length of a fourth section can be equal to, or greaterthan, the length of a first section. Example distances consideredsuitable to position a second section relative to a fourth section, asmeasured along the lengthwise axis of a separating panel, includedistances equal to, less than, greater than, and about 75.5 inches.Example heights considered suitable for the second end of a separatingpanel include heights equal to, less than, greater than, and about 15inches.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first height 41, the secondheight 43, and third height 45 of the second section 44 are greater thaneach of the first height 63 and second height 65 of the fourth section48. The second height 43 of the fourth section 48 is less than one halfof the second height 43 of the second section 44. The majority of thelength 29 of the first section 42 is disposed on a first section plane,the majority of the length 39 of the second section 44 is disposed on asecond section plane, the majority of the length 51 of the third section46 is disposed on a third section plane, and a majority of the length 61of the fourth section 48 is disposed on a fourth section plane. Thefirst section plane is disposed at an angle relative to the secondsection plane that is between 45 degrees and 135 degrees. The secondsection plane is disposed at an angle relative to the third sectionplane that is between 45 degrees and 135 degrees. The third sectionplane is disposed at an angle relative to the fourth section plane thatis between 45 degrees and 135 degrees. This structural arrangementprovides a separating panel 12 that incorporates privacy for an audiencemember seated within chamber 50 (e.g., in the first theater seat 14 orthe second theater seat 16) and prevents obstructing the line of sightof the audience member during a performance.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 30 is separated from thesecond end 32 by a length 73 that is less than the length 39 of thesecond section 44, the length 51 of the third section 46, and the length61 of the fourth section 48. This structural arrangement defines anopening 74 through which audience members and/or staff members can enterand exit the chamber 50. Each of the first theater seat 14 and theopening 74 is positioned on a first side of the first plane 58 and eachof the second theater seat 16 and the third section 46 is positioned ona second side of the first plane 58. The opening 74 is positioned suchthat the first theater seat 14 and the second theater seat 16 aredisposed to the left of an audience member and/or staff member enteringthe chamber 50 through the opening 74.

In the illustrated embodiment, the body 76 of the separating panel 12defines a storage chamber 78 that extends from an opening on the innersurface 38, toward the outer surface 40, along a portion of the length51 of the third section 46, and along a portion of the length 61 of thefourth section 48. The storage chamber 78 is sized and configured tohouse one or more items (e.g., coat, purse). While the storage chamber78 has been illustrated as being positioned inside the chamber 50defined by the separating panel 12, on a portion of the length 51 of thethird section 46, and on a portion of the length 61 of the fourthsection 48, a separating panel body can define any suitable number ofstorage chambers and can each storage chamber can be positioned at anysuitable location on the separating panel. Selection of a suitablenumber of storage chambers for a separating panel to define and asuitable location to position each storage chamber can be based onvarious considerations, including the number of audience membersintended to be seated within the chamber defined by the separatingpanel. Example number of storage chambers considered suitable for aseparating panel to define include one, at least one, two, a plurality,three, four, and any other number considered suitable for a particularembodiment. Example locations considered suitable to position a storagechamber on a separating panel include on the first section, secondsection, third section, fourth section, such that the storage chamberextends from an opening defined on the inner surface of a separatingpanel and toward the outer surface of the separating panel, such thatthe storage chamber extends from an opening defined on an outer surfaceof a separating panel and toward the inner surface of the separatingpanel, such that a storage chamber is defined on both the first sectionand second section, such that a storage chamber is defined on both thesecond section and third section, such that a storage chamber is definedon both the third section and fourth section, and any other locationconsidered suitable for a particular embodiment.

While the separating panel 12 has been illustrated as having aparticular structural arrangement, a separating panel included in atheater seating system can have any suitable structural arrangement.Selection of a suitable structural arrangement for a separating panelcan be based on various considerations, including the desired degree ofprivacy intended to be provided to an audience member seated within achamber defined by the separating panel and/or the theater seatingarrangement intended to be achieved. Example structural arrangementsconsidered suitable for a separating panel include separating panelsthat define a chamber having any suitable size, shape, andconfiguration, such as separating panels that define a chamber that iscylindrical, substantially cylindrical, cuboidal, substantiallycuboidal, a trapezoidal prism, a substantially trapezoidal prism, atriangular prism, substantially a triangular prism, spherical,substantially spherical, semi-spherical, substantially semi-spherical,and any other configuration considered suitable for a particularembodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the separating panel 12defines a chamber 50 that is a trapezoidal prism with rounded edgesalong its height. A separating panel can include an inner surface and/orouter surface that is/are disposed at any suitable angle relative to aplane that contains the bottom surface of the separating panel orrelative to the surface upon which the separating panel is positioned(e.g., ground). For example, an inner surface and/or an outer surface ofa separating panel can be disposed orthogonal to, or an angle betweenabout 45 degrees and about 135 degrees relative to, a plane thatcontains the bottom surface of the separating panel or the surface uponwhich the separating panel is positioned.

While the outer surface 40 of each of the first section 42, the secondsection 44, the third section 46, and the fourth section 48 have beenillustrated as comprising a continuous piece of material, the outersurface of a separating panel can be formed of any suitable number ofcomponents that can be releasably and/or fixedly attached to one anotherusing any suitable technique or method of attachment. Selection of asuitable number of components to form the outer surface of a separatingpanel and a suitable technique or method of attachment can be based onvarious considerations, including the material(s) that forms aseparating panel. Example number of components considered suitable toform the outer surface a separating panel include one, at least one,two, a plurality, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, and any othernumber considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Exampletechnique and methods of attachment considered suitable between one ormore components that form the outer surface of a separating panelinclude using threaded components, snap fit configurations, and anyother technique or method considered suitable for a particularembodiment.

While the second section 44 of the separating panel 12 has beenillustrated as including a first predefined curve 54 and a secondpredefined curve 56 and the fourth section 48 of the separating panel 12has been illustrated as including a first predefined curve 64 and asecond predefined curve 66, a separating panel can define any suitablearrangement between a first section and a second section, a secondsection and a third section, a third section and a fourth section, andat the second end. Selection of a suitable structural arrangementbetween a first section and a second section, a second section and athird section, a third section and a fourth section, and at the secondend can be based on various considerations, such as the desired theaterseating arrangement intended to be achieved. Example structuralarrangements considered suitable between a first section and a secondsection, a second section and a third section, a third section and afourth section, and/or at the second end include curved, rounded, angledsurfaces, right angles, multifaceted arrangements, and any otherstructural arrangement considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

While the separating panel 12 has been illustrated as defining anopening 74 between the first end 30 and the second end 32 that ispositioned such that the first theater seat 14 and the second theaterseat 16 are disposed to the left of an audience member and/or staffmember entering the chamber 50 through the opening 74, a separatingpanel can define an opening at any suitable location. Selection of asuitable location to position an opening can be based on variousconsiderations, such as the desired theater seating arrangement intendedto be achieved. Example locations considered suitable to define anopening include on the first section, on the second section, on thethird section, on the fourth section, and any other location consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment. Alternative embodiments caninclude separating panels that have a mirrored configuration of theseparating panel 12 illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 1,2, 3, 4, and 5. In these alternative embodiments, a second seat and theopening defined by a separating panel is positioned on a first side of aplane that contains the lengthwise axis of the separating panel and eachof a first seat and the third section of the separating panel ispositioned on a second side of the plane that contains the lengthwiseaxis of the separating panel. For example, the separating panel of thesealternative embodiments define an opening between the first end and thesecond end of the separating panel that is positioned such that a firstseat and a second seat are disposed to the right of an audience memberand/or staff member entering the chamber defined by the separating panelthrough the opening.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first theater seat 14, thesecond theater seat 16, the seat divider 18, the table 20, the wall 22,and the hook 24 is disposed within the chamber 50 defined by theseparating panel 12 such that a substantially open section 72 of thechamber 50 is disposed between the first theater seat 14 and fourthsection 48 of the separating panel 12 and between the second theaterseat 16 and the fourth section 48 of the separating panel 12. Thisstructural arrangement provides an area for one or more audience membersto enter and exit the chamber 50 defined by the separating panel 50.

Each of the first theater seat 14 and the second theater seat 16 isdisposed adjacent the seat divider 18 such that the seat divider 18 isdisposed between the first theater seat 14 and the second theater seat16. The wall 22 is disposed between the second section 44 and each ofthe first theater seat 14 and the second theater seat 16. The table 20is pivotably attached to the seat divider 18 and the hook 24 is attachedto the wall 22, as described in more detail herein. Alternativeembodiments can omit the inclusion of a seat divider, a table, a wall,and/or a hook based on desired structural configuration of a theaterseating system.

The first theater seat 14 is disposed adjacent the first section 42, thesecond section 44, the seat divider 18, and the wall 22. As shown inFIG. 2, the first theater seat 14 is disposed on a first side of thefirst plane 58, between the first section 42 and the third section 46,and between the second section 44 and the fourth section 48. The firsttheater seat 14 is movable between a first, upright, configuration, asshown in FIG. 1, and a second, reclined, configuration, as shown in FIG.2. The first theater seat 14 has a seat pan 80, a backrest 82, aheadrest 84, a footrest 86, and an armrest 88. The seat pan 80, thebackrest 82, the headrest 84, and the footrest 86 cooperatively define astructure that is sized and configured to receive an audience memberwhen the audience member is in the seated or reclined position. Thebackrest 82 of the first theater seat 14 is directed toward a plane thatcontains a portion of the fourth section 48 (e.g., a majority of thelength 61 of the fourth section 48). In the first configuration, thefirst theater seat 14 is in an upright position such that the headrest84 is disposed a first distance 81 from the bottom surface 36 of theseparating panel 12 and the footrest 86 is disposed at a first angle 83relative to the seat pan 80. In addition, in the first configuration,the first theater seat 14 is separated from the fourth section 48 by alength 89 that is less than the length 51 of the third section 46. Thelength 89 being measured on an axis that is parallel to the lengthwiseaxis 27. In the second configuration, the first theater seat 14 is in areclined position such that the headrest 84 is disposed a seconddistance 85 from the bottom surface 36 of the separating panel 12 andthe footrest 86 is disposed at a second angle 87 relative to the seatpan 80 that is less than the first angle 83. In the illustratedembodiment, the first distance 81 is equal to 42 inches, is greater thanthe second height 43 of the second section 44, and is greater than thesecond distance 85.

The armrest 88 is disposed adjacent the first section 42 and between theseat pan 80 and the first section 42 of the separating panel 12. Thearmrest 88 has a door 90, a seat control button 92, a first cup holder94, a second cup holder 96, and defines a chamber 98. The door 90 ishingedly attached to the armrest 88, is disposed over the chamber 98,and is movable between a first, closed, configuration (not shown) and asecond, open, configuration, as shown in FIG. 2. The seat control button92 is disposed between the door 90 and the first cup holder 94 andcomprises a button that is configured to move the first theater seat 14from the first, upright, configuration to the second, reclined,configuration when activated. Movement of the first theater seat 14 fromthe second, reclined, configuration to the first, upright, configurationresets the seat control button 92 such that once it is activated againthe first theater seat 14 moves from the first, upright, configurationto the second, reclined, configuration. The first cup holder 94 isdisposed between the seat control button 92 and the second cup holder96. Each of the first cup holder 94 and second cup holder 96 is sizedand configured to receive a portion of a cup (e.g., base of cup), orother structure.

The second theater seat 16 is disposed adjacent the third section 46,the second section 44, the seat divider 18, and the wall 22. As shown inFIG. 2, the second seat 16 is disposed on a second side of the firstplane 58, between the first section 42 and the third section 46, andbetween the second section 44 and the fourth section 48. The secondtheater seat 16 is movable between a first, upright, configuration, asshown in FIG. 1, and a second, reclined, configuration, as shown in FIG.2. The second theater seat 16 has a seat pan 102, a backrest 104, aheadrest 106, a footrest 108, and an armrest 110. The seat pan 102, thebackrest 104, the headrest 106, and the footrest 108 cooperativelydefine a structure that is sized and configured to receive an audiencemember when the audience member is in the seated or reclined position.The backrest 104 of the second theater seat 16 is directed toward aplane that contains a portion of the fourth section 48 (e.g., a majorityof the length 61 of the fourth section 48). In the first configuration,the second theater seat 16 is in an upright position such that theheadrest 106 is disposed a first distance 103 from the bottom surface 36of the separating panel 12 and the footrest 108 is disposed at a firstangle 105 relative to the seat pan 102. In addition, in the firstconfiguration, the second theater seat 16 is separated from the fourthsection 48 by a length 109 that is less than the length 51 of the thirdsection 46. The length 109 being measured on an axis that is parallel tothe lengthwise axis 27. In the second configuration, the second theaterseat 16 is in a reclined position such that the headrest 106 is disposeda second distance 107 from the bottom surface 36 of the separating panel12 and the footrest 108 is disposed at a second angle (not shown)relative to the seat pan 102 that is equal to the second angle 87 of thefirst theater seat 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the first distance103 is equal to 42 inches, is greater than the second height 43 of thesecond section 44, and is greater than the second distance 107.

The armrest 110 is disposed adjacent the third section 46 and betweenthe seat pan 102 and the third section 46 of the separating panel 12.The armrest 110 has a door 112, a seat control button 114, a first cupholder 116, a second cup holder 118, and defines a chamber 120. The door112 is hingedly attached to the armrest 110, is disposed over thechamber 120, and is movable between a first, closed, configuration (notshown) and a second, open, configuration, as shown in FIG. 2. The seatcontrol button 114 is disposed between the door 112 and the first cupholder 116 and comprises a button that is configured to move the secondtheater seat 16 from the first, upright, configuration to the second,reclined, configuration when activated. Movement of the second theaterseat 16 from the second, reclined, configuration to the first, upright,configuration resets the seat control button 114 such that once it isactivated the second theater seat 16 moves from the first, upright,configuration to the second, reclined, configuration. The first cupholder 116 is disposed between the seat control button 114 and thesecond cup holder 118. Each of the first cup holder 116 and second cupholder 118 is sized and configured to receive a portion of a cup (e.g.,base of cup), or other structure.

While the first distance 81 of the first theater seat 14 has beenillustrated as greater than the second height 43 of the second section44 and equal to 42 inches and the first distance 103 of the secondtheater seat 16 has been illustrated as greater than the second height43 of the second section 44 and equal to 42 inches, a headrest can bepositioned any suitable distance from the bottom surface of a separatingpanel when the seat is in the first configuration or secondconfiguration. Selection of a suitable distance to position a headrestin the first configuration and/or second configuration relative to thebottom surface of a separating panel can be based on variousconsiderations, including the structural arrangement of a separatingpanel. For example, a headrest can be positioned from the bottom surfaceof a separating panel a distance that is equal to, greater than, or lessthan, the height of a second section of a separating panel when in thefirst configuration and/or second configuration.

Any suitable means, structure, system, and/or component can be used tomove the first theater seat 14 and/or the second set 16 between thefirst, upright, configuration and the second, reclined, configuration,and selection of a suitable means, structure, system, and/or componentcan be based on various considerations, including the desired angleintended to be achieved when a seat is moved from the first, upright,configuration to the second, reclined, configuration. Example means,structures, systems, and/or components considered suitable to accomplishmovement of a first seat and/or second seat between a first, upright,configuration and a second, reclined, configuration include push buttonsystems, lever activated systems, power activated systems, manuallyactivated systems, and any other means, structure, system, and/orcomponent considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

While the theater seating system 10 has been illustrated as including afirst theater seat 14 and a second theater seat 16, a theater seatingsystem can include any suitable number of seats and selection of asuitable number of seats to include in a theater seating system can bebased on various considerations, such as the number of audience membersintended to be seated within the chamber defined by a separating panel.Example numbers of seats considered suitable to include in a theaterseating system include one, at least one, two, a plurality, three, four,five, and any other number considered suitable for a particularembodiment. Alternative embodiments can include only a single theaterseat, more than one theater seat, a sofa, a lounge seat, a doubletheater lounge seat, a single theater lounge seat, a couch, and/or anycombination of these structures.

The seat divider 18 is disposed between the first theater seat 14 andthe second theater seat 16 and has a base 124, a first portion 126, anda second portion 128. The first portion 126 is hingedly attached to thebase 124 and is movable between a first, down, configuration and asecond, upright, configuration. In the first configuration, the bottomsurface of the first portion 126 contacts the base 124 of the seatdivider 18. In the second configuration, the first portion 126 issubstantially free of contact with the base 124. The first portion 126of the seat divider 18 acts as an armrest for an audience member that isseated in first theater seat 14 and/or an audience member that is seatedin the second theater seat 16. Alternative embodiments can omit theinclusion of a seat divider such that a first seat is disposed adjacentto a second seat.

While the seat divider 18 has been illustrated as having a particularstructural arrangement, a seat divider of a theater seating system canhave any suitable structural arrangement. Selection of a suitablestructural arrangement for a seat divider can be based on variousconsiderations, including the desired degree of separation definedbetween a first seat and a second seat. Example structural arrangementsconsidered suitable for a seat divider include cylindrical,substantially cylindrical, cuboidal, substantially cuboidal, atrapezoidal prism, a substantially trapezoidal prism, a triangularprism, a substantially triangular prism, spherical, substantiallyspherical, semi-spherical, substantially semi-spherical, and any otherconfiguration considered suitable for a particular embodiment. In theillustrated embodiment, the seat divider 18 is cuboidal.

The table 20 is pivotably attached to the second portion 128 of the seatdivider 18 and includes a service call button 130 and a light controlbutton 132. The table 20 is movable between a first position, as shownin FIG. 1, a second position, as shown in FIG. 2, and a third position,as shown in FIG. 5. In the first position, the table 20 is disposedbetween the first theater seat 14 and the second theater seat 16 suchthat a majority of the surface area of the table 20 is disposed over theopen section 72 defined within the chamber 50. In the second position, amajority of the surface area of the table 20 is disposed over the firsttheater seat 14. In the third position, a majority of the surface areaof the table 20 is disposed over the second theater seat 16. The servicecall button 130 is operatively connected to a signaling device and isconfigured to be activated by an audience member seated in the firsttheater seat 14 or second theater seat 16. The service call button 130,when activated by an audience member, activates the signaling device toindicate to a staff member that the audience member desires attention(e.g., would like to order food or a beverage). The light control button132 is configured to be activated by an audience member seated in thefirst theater seat 14 or second theater seat 16. The light controlbutton 132 is operatively connected to the light source 26 and isconfigured to activate and deactivate the light source 26, as describedin more detail herein.

The service call button 130 can comprise any suitable means and/orstructure and be operatively connected to any suitable signaling deviceand selection of a suitable means and/or structure for a service callbutton and a suitable signaling device can be based on variousconsiderations, including the distance between the service call buttonand the signaling device. Example means and/or structures consideredsuitable for a service call button and/or a signaling device includeservice control buttons that are wired to a signaling device, servicecontrol buttons that are wirelessly connected to a signaling device,signaling devices that illustrate a service call on a display, and anyother means, structure, and/or signaling device considered suitable fora particular embodiment.

The wall 22 is disposed between the second section 44 of the separatingpanel 12 and each of the first theater seat 14 and the second theaterseat 16. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the wall 22 has a first end 136, asecond end 138, and defines an opening 140 that is sized and configuredto receive the light source 26. The first end 136 of the wall 22 isdisposed between the first theater seat 14 and the second section 44 ofthe separating panel 12 and the second end 138 of the wall 22 isdisposed between the second theater seat 16 and the second section 44 ofthe separating panel 12.

The hook 24 is attached to the inner surface 38 of the separating panel12 and extends away from the outer surface 40 of the separating panel12. The hook 24 is sized and configured to releasably attach one or moreelements (e.g., a jacket, coat, purse) to the hook 24. The hook 24 cancomprise any suitable structure capable of releasably attaching one ormore elements to the hook and selection of a suitable structure for ahook can be based on various considerations, including the configurationof the element intended to be releasably attached to the hook. Examplestructural arrangements considered suitable for a hook include hooksthat define a single projection that extends from a base attached to awall, hooks that define more than one projection, each projectionextending from a base attached to a wall, and any other structuralarrangement considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

The light source 26 is disposed within the opening 140 defined by thewall 22 and has a first, off, state and a second, on, state. The lightsource 26 is operatively connected to a power source (not shown) and tothe light control button 132 disposed on the table 20. The light source26 is movable between the first, off, state and the second, on, statevia activation of the light control button 132. The light source 26 isdirected toward the table 20 such that when the light source 26 is inthe second, on, state, the light source 26 illuminates the table 20 andany structure disposed on the table 20.

Any suitable light source 26 can be included in a theater seatingsystem, and selection of a suitable light source can be based on variousconsiderations, including the desired amount of illumination intended tobe directed toward a table or other structure disposed within a chamberdefined by a separating panel. Example light sources considered suitableto include in a theater seating system include incandescent light bulbs,compact fluorescent light bulbs, halogen light bulbs, light emittingdiodes, and any other light source considered suitable for a particularembodiment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, the separating panel 12 is astructure that partially wraps around the first theater seat 14, secondtheater seat 16, the seat divider 18, the table 20, the wall 22, thehook 24, and the light source 26, and includes one or more sections thatare disposed in front of the first theater seat 14 and the secondtheater seat 16. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, thefootrest 86 of the first theater seat 14 and the footrest 108 of thesecond theater seat 16 are directed toward the fourth section 48 of theseparating panel 12 and an audience member seated in either the firsttheater seat 14 or the second theater seat 16 would have a line of sightthat extends over the fourth section 48 of the separating panel 12. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the first end 30 and a portion of the thirdsection 46 of the separating panel 12 are disposed on the second plane150 that is disposed orthogonal to the lengthwise axis 27 of theseparating panel 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the footrest 86 ofthe first theater seat 14 and the footrest 108 of the second theaterseat 16 pass through the plane 150 when each of the first theater seat14 and the second theater seat 16 are in the second, reclined,configuration. However, alternative embodiments can include a separatingpanel that wraps around the entirety, or a portion, of a first seat, asecond seat, and/or any other component disposed within the chamberdefined by the separating panel. The inclusion of a separating panel isconsidered advantageous at least because this structure provides privacyto the one or more audience members seated within the chamber 50 definedby the separating panel 12 during a performance and separates audiencemembers seated within the chamber 50 defined by the separating panel 12from other audience members attending the performance.

FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 illustrate another example embodiment of a theaterseating system 210 that is similar to the theater seating system 10illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and described above, except asdetailed below. In the illustrated embodiment, the theater seatingsystem 210 comprises a separating panel 212, a first seat 214, a secondseat 216, a seat divider 218, a table 220, a wall 222, a hook 224, and alight source 226.

In the illustrated embodiment, the separating panel 212 has a lengthwiseaxis 227, a first end 230, a second end 232, a top surface 234, a bottomsurface 236, an inner surface 238, an outer surface 240, a first section242, a second section 244, and a third section 246. In the illustratedembodiment, the first section 242, the second section 244, and the thirdsection 246 partially wrap around each of the first seat 214, the secondseat 216, the seat divider 218, the table 220, the wall 222, the hook224, and the light source 226 such that an open section 272 is definedin front of each of the first seat 214 and the second seat 216 that isfree from any obstructions, such as a section of a separating panel. Forexample, if desired, an audience member or a staff member could passbetween the front of each of the first seat 214 and the second seat 216and any structure disposed in front of the first seat 214 and the secondseat 216.

The first section 242 extends from the first end 230 to the secondsection 244. The first section 242 has a length 229 that extends fromthe first end 230 to the second section 242, a first height 231 at thefirst end 230 that extends from the top surface 234 to the bottomsurface 236, and a second height 233 between the first end 230 and thesecond section 244 that extends from the top surface 234 to the bottomsurface 236. In the illustrated embodiment, the first height 231 of thefirst section 242 is less than the second height 233 of the firstsection 242 such that the first section 242 increases in height from thefirst end 230 toward the second section 244. As best illustrated in FIG.8, this structural arrangement defines a predefined curve 252 along thetop surface 234 of the first section 242. The first section 242 has afirst thickness 235 at the first end 230 that extends from the innersurface 238 to the outer surface 240 and a second thickness 237 betweenthe first end 230 and the second section 244 that extends from the innersurface 238 to the outer surface 240. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst thickness 235 is less than the second thickness 237 such that thethickness of the first section 242 increases from the first end 230toward the second section 244.

The second section 244 extends from the first section 242 to the thirdsection 246. The second section 244 has a first predefined curve 254 anda second predefined curve 256. The first predefined curve 254 extendsfrom the first section 242 and toward a first plane 258 that containsthe lengthwise axis 228 of the separating panel 212. The secondpredefined curve 256 extends from the third section 246 and toward thefirst plane 258. The structural arrangement of each of the firstpredefined curve 254 and the second predefined curve 256 defines arounded corner of the separating panel 212. The second section 244 has alength 239 that extends from the first section 242 to the third section246, a first height 241 between the first section 242 and the firstplane 258, a second height 243 at the first plane 258, and a thirdheight 245 between the first plane 258 and the third section 246. Eachof the first height 241, second height 243, and the third height 245extends from the top surface 234 to the bottom surface 236. In theillustrated embodiment, the first height 241 of the second section 244is less than the second height 243 of the second section 244 and thesecond height 243 of the second section 244 is greater than the thirdheight 245 of the second section 244 such that the second section 244increases in height from the first section 242 toward the first plane258 and increases in height from the third section 246 toward the firstplane 258. The second section 244 has a first thickness 247, a secondthickness 249, and a third thickness 261. The first thickness 247 isdisposed between the first section 242 and the first plane 258 andextends from the inner surface 238 to the outer surface 240. The secondthickness 249 is disposed at the first plane 258 and extends from theinner surface 238 to the outer surface 240. The third thickness 261 isdisposed between the first plane 258 and the third section 246 andextends from the inner surface 238 to the outer surface 240. In theillustrated embodiment, the first thickness 247 is less than the secondthickness 249 and the second thickness 249 is greater than the thirdthickness 261 such that the thickness of the second section 244increases from a first location between the first section 242 and thefirst plane 258 to the first plane 258 and decreases in thickness fromthe first plane 258 to a second location between the first plane 258 andthe third section 246. The distance the second section 244 is disposedfrom the first end 230, as measured along the lengthwise axis 227, isequal to 38 inches.

The third section 246 extends from the second section 244 to the secondend 232. The third section 246 has a length 251 that extends from thesecond section 244 to the second end 232, a first height 253 between thesecond section 244 and the second end 232 that extends from the topsurface 234 to the bottom surface 236, and a second height 255 at thesecond end 232 that extends from the top surface 234 to the bottomsurface 236. In the illustrated embodiment, the first height 253 of thethird section 246 is less than the second height 255 of the thirdsection 246 such that the third section 246 decreases in height from thesecond section 244 toward the second end 232. This structuralarrangement defines a predefined curve along the top surface 234 of thethird section 246. The third section 246 has a first thickness 257between the second section 244 and the second end 232 that extends fromthe inner surface 238 to the outer surface 240 and a second thickness259 at the second end 232 that extends from the inner surface 238 to theouter surface 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the first thickness257 is greater than the second thickness 259 such that the thickness ofthe third section 246 decreases from a location between the secondsection 244 and the second end 232 toward the second end 232.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 230 of the separating panel212 is disposed adjacent to the first seat 214 and the second end 232 isdisposed adjacent to the second seat 216 such that no portion of theseparating panel 212 is disposed in front of the first seat 214 or thesecond seat 216. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, thefootrest 286 of the first seat 214 and the footrest 308 of the secondseat 216 are directed away from the second section 244 and toward aspace free of the separating panel 212. In the illustrated embodiment,the first end 230 and the second end 232 of the separating panel 212 aredisposed on a second plane 350 that is disposed orthogonal to thelengthwise axis 227 of the separating panel 212. In the illustratedembodiment, the footrest 286 of the first seat 214 and the footrest 308of the second seat 216 pass through the plane 350 when each of the firstseat 214 and the second seat 216 are in the second, reclined,configuration. This structural arrangement provides a theater seatingsystem 210 that allows for one or more audience members and/or staffmembers to pass in front of the theater seating system 210 and reducesthe overall footprint of the theater seating system 210 relative totheater seating system 10.

FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 illustrate an example embodiment of a double theaterlounge seat 410. In the illustrated embodiment, the double theaterlounge seat 410 comprises a base 412, a cushion 414, a first table 416,and a second table 418.

In the illustrated embodiment, the base 412 comprises a first end 420, asecond end 422, a first side 424, a second side 426, a bottom 428, and abody 430 that defines a recess 432, a curved surface 434, and a storagechamber 436. The first end 424 has a first height 421 and a first length423. The second end 422 has a second height 425 and a second length 427.The first height 421 is greater than the second height 425. In theillustrated embodiment, the first height 421 is equal to 36 inches. Thefirst length 423 is greater than the second length 427. In theillustrated embodiment, the first length 423 is equal to 60 inches. Thisstructural arrangement provides a body 430 that decreases in height fromthe first end 424 to the second end 426 and decreases in length from thefirst end 424 to the second end 426.

The first side 424 has a first height 429, a second height 431, a thirdheight 433, a fourth height 435, and a length 437. The first height 429is greater than the second height 431, the second height 431 is lessthan the third height 433, and the third height 433 is greater than thefourth height 435, the fourth height 435 is less than the second height431. The second side 426 has a first height 439, a second height 441, athird height 443, a fourth height 445, and a length 447. The firstheight 439 is greater than the second height 441, the second height 441is less than the third height 443, the third height 443 is greater thanthe fourth height 445, and the fourth height 445 is less than the secondheight 441. The length 437 of the first side 424 is equal to the length447 of the second side 426. In the illustrated embodiment, each of thelength 437 of the first side 424 and the length 447 of the second side426 is greater than the first length 423 of the first end 420 and thesecond length 427 of the second end 422.

In the illustrated embodiment, the body 430 of the base 412 defines acurved surface 434 along the first end 420 and a curved corner betweeneach of the first end 420 and the first side 424, the first end 420 andthe second side 426, the second end 422 and the first side 424, and thesecond end 422 and the second side 426. While a curved surface 434 andcurved corners have been illustrated, any suitable structure can bedisposed between the features of a base of a theater seat. Selection ofa suitable structure between the features of a base can be based onvarious considerations, such as the desired arrangement between one ormore theater seats disposed within a theater. Example structuresconsidered suitable to position between a first end and a first side, afirst end and a second side, a second end and a first side, and/or asecond end and a second side include curved, rounded, angled surfaces,right angles, and any other structural arrangement considered suitablefor a particular embodiment. Example surfaces considered suitable todefine on a first end, second end, first side, and/or second side of abase include curved surfaces, rounded surfaces, flat surfaces,substantially flat surfaces, and any other surface considered suitablefor a particular embodiment.

The recess 432 extends into the body 430 between the first end 420 andthe second end 422 and between the first side 424 and the second side426 and toward the bottom 428 of the base 412. The recess 432 has afirst portion 438 and a second portion 440. In the illustratedembodiment, the first portion 438 is disposed at an angle 449 that isless than 180 degrees relative to the second portion 440 such that thefirst portion 438 is inclined relative to the second portion 440. Therecess 432 is sized and configured to receive a portion of the cushion414, as described in more detail herein. In the illustrated embodiment,the storage chamber 436 extends into the body 430 from the first side424 and toward the second side 426. The storage chamber 436 is sized andconfigured to house one or more items (e.g., coat, purse).

While the base 412 has been illustrated as having a particularstructural arrangement, a base included in a theater seat can have anysuitable structural arrangement. Selection of a suitable structuralarrangement for a base can be based on various considerations, includingthe angle desired between the first portion and the second portion of arecess. Example structural arrangements considered suitable for a baseof a theater seat include bases that omit the inclusion of a curvededge, an inclined recess, a storage chamber, and any other structuralarrangement considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examplelengths considered suitable for the first end of a base include lengthsequal to, less than, greater than, and about 60 inches as measured on anaxis that is disposed orthogonal to the lengthwise axis of the base.Example lengths considered suitable between a first end and a second endof a base include lengths equal to, less than, greater than, and about76 inches, as measured on the lengthwise axis of the base. Exampleheights considered suitable for the first end of a base include heightsequal to, less than, greater than, and about 36 inches.

While a single storage chamber 436 has been illustrated on the firstside 424 of the base 412, a base of a theater seat can include anysuitable number of storage chambers that are positioned at any suitablelocation on the base. Selection of a suitable number of storage chambersto include on a base and a suitable location to position each storagechamber can be based on various considerations, including the intendeduse of the theater seat and the desired number of audience membersintended to be seated on the theater seat. Example number of storagechambers considered suitable to define on a base include one, at leastone, two, a plurality, three, four, and any other number consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment. Example locations consideredsuitable to position a storage chamber include on the first end, on thesecond end, on the first side, and/or on the second side of a base.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cushion 414 is sized and configuredto seat a first audience member and a second audience member during aperformance. However, a theater seat could alternatively seat only afirst audience member, or more than two audience members. The cushion414 has a bottom member 450 and a top member 452. The bottom member 450has a first end 454, a second end 456, a first side 458, a second side460, and is separated into a first section 462, a second section 464, athird section 466, and a fourth section 468. This structuralconfiguration provides a cushion 414 that can be positioned withinrecess 432 and conform to the structural arrangement of the base 412. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the first section 462 has a first surfacearea, the second section 464 has a second surface area, the thirdsection 466 has a third surface area, and the fourth section 468 has afourth surface area. Each of the first surface area and the secondsurface area is less than the third surface area and the fourth surfacearea.

The top member 452 of the cushion 414 has a first end 470 and a secondend 472. In the illustrated embodiment, the top member 452 is disposedon the first section 462 and the second section 464 of the bottom member450 such that the first end 470 is disposed on the first section 462 andthe second end 472 is disposed on the second section 464. In theillustrated embodiment, the top member 452 acts as a headrest for afirst audience member and/or a second audience member that is positionedon the cushion 414 during a performance.

While the cushion 414 has been illustrated as having a particularstructural arrangement, a cushion included in a theater seat can haveany suitable structural arrangement. Selection of a suitable structuralarrangement for a cushion can be based on various considerations,including the desired number of audience members intended to be seatedon the cushion. Example structural arrangements considered suitable fora cushion of a theater seat include cushions that include only a singlesection, cushions that include more than one section, cushions that omitthe inclusion of a top member, cushions that include a top member thatis releasably attached to a bottom member, cushions that include a topmember that is fixedly attached to a bottom member, and any otherstructural arrangement considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

The first table 416 is attached to the first side 424 and includes anarm 476 and a counter 478. The arm 476 of the first table 416 has afirst end 480, a second end 482, and a predefined bend 484 between thefirst end 480 and the second end 482. The first end 480 is attached tothe base 412 on the first side 424, extends away from the second side426 to the bend 484, and extends from the bend 484 away from a planethat contains a portion of the bottom 428 of the base 412. In theillustrated embodiment, the counter 478 is fixedly attached to the arm476 and is sized and configured to support one or more items (e.g., adrink or food item).

The second table 418 is attached to the second side 426 and includes anarm 486 and a counter 488. The arm 486 of the second table 418 has afirst end (not shown), a second end 492, and a predefined bend (notshown) between the first end and the second end 492. In the illustratedembodiment, the second table 418 has a mirrored configuration of thefirst table 416. The first end is attached to the base 412 on the secondside 426, extends away from the first side 424 to the bend, and extendsfrom the bend away from a plane that contains a portion of the bottom428 of the base 412. In the illustrated embodiment, the counter 488 isfixedly attached to the arm 486 and is sized and configured to supportone or more items (e.g., a drink or food item).

While the counter 478 of the first table 416 has been illustrated asfixedly attached to the arm 476 of the first table 416 and the counter488 of the second table 418 has been illustrated as fixedly attached tothe arm 486 of the second table 418, alternative embodiments can includea counter that is movable relative to an arm. For example, a counter canbe pivotably attached to the second end of an arm such that it can bemoved between a first position and a second position. In the firstposition, the counter can be partially disposed over a cushion such thata first surface area is disposed over the cushion. In the secondposition, the counter can be partially disposed over the cushion suchthat a second surface area is disposed over the cushion. The secondsurface area can be greater than the first surface area, less than thefirst surface area, or equal to the first surface area.

While the first table 416 and second table 418 have been illustrated ashaving a particular structural arrangement, a table included on atheater seat can have any suitable structural arrangement. Selection ofa suitable structural arrangement for a table can be based on variousconsiderations, including the structural arrangement of the base of thetheater seat on which the table is intended to be attached. Examplestructural arrangements considered suitable for a table of a theaterseat include tables that include an arm that omits the inclusion of apredefined bend, tables that include an arm that has more than onepredefined bend, and any other structural arrangement consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment.

While the double theater lounge seat 410 has been illustrated asincluding a first table 416 and a second table 418, a theater seat caninclude any suitable number of tables and selection of a suitable numberof tables to include on a theater seat can be based on variousconsiderations, such as the number of audience members intended to beseated on the theater seat. Example numbers of tables consideredsuitable to include on a theater seat include one, at least one, two, aplurality, three, and any other number considered suitable for aparticular embodiment. For example, a double theater lounge seat caninclude a single table disposed between the first side and the secondside of a cushion such that is disposed between a first audience memberand a second audience member when the first audience member and thesecond audience member are seated on the double theater lounge seat, asillustrated in FIG. 21.

FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 illustrate an example embodiment of a singletheater lounge seat 510 that is similar to the double theater loungeseat 410 illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 and described above, exceptas detailed below. In the illustrated embodiment, the single theaterlounge seat 510 comprises a base 512, a cushion 514, and first table516.

In the illustrated embodiment, the base 512 is sized and configured toseat a single audience member and a portion of cushion 514 and thecushion 514 is sized and configured to seat a first audience memberduring a performance. The first end of the base 512 has a length equalto 32 inches as measured on an axis that is disposed orthogonal to thelengthwise axis of the base 512.

While the base 512 of the single theater lounge seat 510 has beenillustrated as having a particular structural arrangement, a baseincluded in a theater seat can have any suitable structural arrangement.Selection of a suitable structural arrangement for a base can be basedon various considerations, including the desired theater seatingarrangement intended to be achieved. Example structural arrangementsconsidered suitable for a base of a theater seat include bases that omitthe inclusion of a curved edge, an inclined recess, a storage chamber,and any other structural arrangement considered suitable for aparticular embodiment. Example lengths considered suitable for the firstend of a base include lengths equal to, less than, greater than, andabout 32 inches as measured on an axis that is disposed orthogonal tothe lengthwise axis of the base.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example embodiment of a theater seat 610 that issimilar to the second theater seat 16 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4,and 5 and described above, except as detailed below. In the illustratedembodiment, the theater seat 610 comprises a table 620, a seat pan 680,a backrest 682, a headrest 684, a footrest 686, a first armrest 688, anda second armrest 689.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second armrest 689 has a structuralconfiguration similar to the seat divider 18 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2,3, 4, and 5 and described above, except that the second armrest 689 doesnot include a first portion (e.g., first portion 126) and a secondportion (e.g., second portion 128). The table 620 is pivotably attachedto the second armrest 689 and movable between a first configuration anda second configuration. In the first position, a first portion of thesurface area of the table 620 is disposed over the theater seat 610 andin the second position a second portion of the surface area of the table620 is disposed over the theater seat 610. The second surface area isgreater than the first surface area.

FIG. 16 illustrates another example embodiment of a theater seat 810that is similar to the theater seat 610 illustrated in FIG. 15 anddescribed above, except as detailed below. In the illustratedembodiments, the theater seat 810 comprises a table 820, a seat pan 880,a backrest 882, a headrest 884, a footrest 886, a first armrest 888, anda second armrest 889. In the illustrated embodiment, the theater seat810 is compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act and includesstructure that provides releasable attachment of the theater seat 810 tothe floor of a theater. This is considered advantageous at least becausethe theater seat 810 can be attached and detached from the floor of atheater as desired.

Any suitable structure, technique, or method of attachment can be usedto accomplish releasable attachment between the theater seat 810 and thefloor of a theater and selection of a suitable structure, technique, ormethod of attachment can be based on various considerations, such as thematerial(s) that form a theater seat and/or the floor of a theater.Example structures, techniques, and methods of attachment consideredsuitable to accomplish releasable attachment include using mechanicalconnectors, threaded connectors, nuts, bolts, and any other structure,technique, and/or method of attachment considered suitable for aparticular embodiment.

FIGS. 17, 18, and 19 illustrate an example embodiment of a theaterseating arrangement 1010. In the illustrated embodiment, the theaterseating arrangement 1010 comprises a theater 1012, a first plurality oftheater seating systems 1060, a second plurality of theater seatingsystems 1062, a third plurality of theater seating systems 1064, aplurality of double theater lounge seats 1066, a plurality of singletheater lounge seats 1068, a plurality of theater seats 1070, a firstaisle 1072, a second aisle 1074, a third aisle 1076, a fourth aisle1078, a fifth aisle 1080, and a forestage 1082. The first aisle 1072 isdisposed between the first wall 1020 and the second plurality of theaterseating systems 1062. The second aisle 1074 is disposed between thesecond plurality of theater seating system 1062 and the first pluralityof theater seating systems 1060. The third aisle 1076 is disposedbetween the first plurality of theater seating systems 1060 and thethird plurality of theater seating systems 1064. The fourth aisle 1078is disposed between the second wall 1022 and the third plurality oftheater seating systems 1064. The fifth aisle 1080 is disposed betweenthe first set of double theater lounge seats 1050 and the third set ofdouble theater lounge seats 1054, as described in more detail herein.

The theater 1012 has a first wall 1020, a second wall 1022, a third wall1024, a fourth wall 1026, a screen 1028, a floor 1030, a partition 1031,and a ceiling 1032. The first wall 1020, the second wall 1022, the thirdwall 1024, the fourth wall 1026, the floor 1030, and the ceiling 1032cooperatively define an audience area 1034. The screen 1028 is disposedon the third wall 1024 and is sized and configured to illuminate apicture projected on the screen 1028.

In the illustrated embodiment, the floor 1030 has a first elevation1036, a second elevation 1038, a third elevation 1040, a fourthelevation 1042, a fifth elevation 1044, and a sixth elevation 1046. Thefirst elevation 1036 is separated from the second elevation 1038 by afirst distance 1037. The second elevation 1038 is separated from thethird elevation 1040 by a second distance 1039. The third elevation 1040is separated from the fourth elevation 1042 by a third distance 1041.The fourth elevation 1042 is separated from the fifth elevation 1044 bya fourth distance 1043. The fifth elevation 1044 is separated from thesixth elevation 1046 by a fifth distance 1045. In the illustratedembodiment, each of the first distance 1037, the second distance 1039,the third distance 1041, the fourth distance 1045, and the fifthdistance 1047 are equal to one another. This structural arrangementprovides a theater that has seating at various heights to prevent anaudience member having an obstructed view during a performance.

While a particular structural arrangement has been illustrated for thetheater 1012, a theater can have any suitable structural arrangement.Selection of a suitable structural arrangement for a theater can bebased on various considerations, such as the desired capacity of thetheater. Example structural arrangements for a theater include theatersthat include more than four walls, theaters that include elevations thatare separated by distances that are not equal to one another (e.g., afirst distance is greater than, less than, substantially equal to, asecond distance), theaters that include only one elevation that isdefined at an angle relative to a wall (e.g., fourth wall), and anyother structural arrangement considered suitable for a particularembodiment.

While the theater 1012 has been illustrated as having a floor 1032 thathas a first elevation 1036, a second elevation 1038, a third elevation1040, a fourth elevation 1042, a fifth elevation 1044, and a sixthelevation 1046, the floor of a theater can include any suitable numberof elevations. Selection of a suitable number of elevations to includein a theater can be based on various considerations, including thedesired number of audience members intended to be seated within thetheater. Example numbers of elevations considered suitable to include ina theater include one, at least one, two, a plurality, three, four,five, six, seven, eight, nine, and any other number considered suitablefor a particular embodiment.

While the theater 1012 has been illustrated as including a third wall1024 and a screen 1028, a theater can include any suitable structureand/or can have any suitable configuration. Selection of a suitablestructure to include in a theater and a suitable configuration for atheater can be based on various considerations, such as the intended useof the theater. Example structures considered suitable to include in atheater include a balcony, a stage, a back stage, an apron, one or moredressing rooms, and any other structure considered suitable for aparticular embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first plurality of theater seatingsystems 1060 is disposed within the theater 1012 and comprises a firsttheater seating system 1084, a second theater seating system 1086, athird theater seating system 1088, a fourth theater seating system 1090,a fifth theater seating system 1092, a sixth theater seating system1094, a seventh theater seating system 1096, and an eighth theaterseating system 1098. Each of the theater seating systems 1084, 1088,1092, and 1096 comprises a theater seating system 10 as illustrated anddescribed herein with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and has anopening that provides access to the chamber from the second aisle 1074.Each of the theater seating systems 1086, 1090, 1094, and 1098 comprisesa theater seating system 10 as illustrated and described herein withrespect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, except that the separating panelincluded in the theater seating systems 1086, 1090, 1094, and 1098 is amirrored configuration of that illustrated and described with respect toFIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Each of the theater seating systems 1086, 1090,1094, and 1098 has an opening that provides access to the chamber fromthe third aisle 1076.

Each of the first theater seating system 1084 and the second theaterseating system 1086 is disposed on the first elevation 1036. The firsttheater seating system 1084 is disposed adjacent to the second theatersystem 1086 and the third theater seating system 1088. The third section46 of the first theater seating system 1084 is disposed adjacent to thethird section 46 of the second theater seating system 1086 and thefourth section 48 of the first theater seating system 1084 is disposedadjacent to the second section 44 of the third theater seating system1088. The second theater seating system 1086 is disposed adjacent to thefirst theater system 1084 and the fourth theater seating system 1090.The third section 46 of the second theater seating system 1086 isdisposed adjacent to the third section 46 of the first theater seatingsystem 1084 and the fourth section 48 of the second theater seatingsystem 1084 is disposed adjacent to the second section 44 of the fourththeater seating system 1088.

Each of the third theater seating system 1088 and the fourth theaterseating system 1090 is disposed on the second elevation 1038. The thirdtheater seating system 1088 is disposed between the first theaterseating system 1084 and the fifth theater seating system 1092 andadjacent to the fourth theater system 1090. The second section 44 of thethird theater seating system 1088 is disposed adjacent the fourthsection 48 of the first theater seating system 1084, the third section46 of the third theater seating system 1088 is disposed adjacent to thethird section 46 of the fourth theater seating system 1090, and thefourth section 48 of the third theater seating system 1088 is disposedadjacent to the second section 44 of the fifth theater seating system1092. The fourth theater seating system 1090 is disposed between thesecond theater seating system 1086 and the sixth theater seating system1094 and adjacent to the third theater system 1088. The second section44 of the fourth theater seating system 1090 is disposed adjacent thefourth section 48 of the second theater seating system 1086, the thirdsection 46 of the fourth theater seating system 1090 is disposedadjacent to the third section 46 of the third theater seating system1088, and the fourth section 48 of the fourth theater seating system1090 is disposed adjacent to the second section 44 of the sixth theaterseating system 1094.

Each of the fifth theater seating system 1092 and the sixth theaterseating system 1094 is disposed on the third elevation 1040. The fifththeater seating system 1092 is disposed between the third theaterseating system 1088 and the seventh theater seating system 1096 andadjacent to the sixth theater system 1094. The second section 44 of thefifth theater seating system 1092 is disposed adjacent the fourthsection 48 of the third theater seating system 1088, the third section46 of the fifth theater seating system 1092 is disposed adjacent to thethird section 46 of the sixth theater seating system 1094, and thefourth section 48 of the fifth theater seating system 1092 is disposedadjacent to the second section 44 of the seventh theater seating system1096. The sixth theater seating system 1088 is disposed between thefourth theater seating system 1090 and the eighth theater seating system1098 and adjacent to the fifth theater system 1092. The second section44 of the sixth theater seating system 1094 is disposed adjacent thefourth section 48 of the fourth theater seating system 1090, the thirdsection 46 of the sixth theater seating system 1094 is disposed adjacentto the third section 46 of the fifth theater seating system 1092, andthe fourth section 48 of the sixth theater seating system 1094 isdisposed adjacent to the second section 44 of the eighth theater seatingsystem 1098.

Each of the seventh theater seating system 1096 and the eighth theaterseating system 1098 is disposed on the fourth elevation 1042. Theseventh theater seating system 1096 is disposed between the fifththeater seating system 1092 and the partition 1031 and adjacent to theeighth theater system 1098. The second section 44 of the seventh theaterseating system 1096 is disposed adjacent the fourth section 48 of thefifth theater seating system 1092, the third section 46 of the sevenththeater seating system 1096 is disposed adjacent to the third section 46of the eighth theater seating system 1098, and the fourth section 48 ofthe seventh theater seating system 1096 is disposed adjacent to thepartition 1031. The eighth theater seating system 1098 is disposedbetween the sixth theater seating system 1094 and the partition 1031 andadjacent to the seventh theater system 1096. The second section 44 ofthe eighth theater seating system 1094 is disposed adjacent the fourthsection 48 of the fourth theater seating system 1090, the third section46 of the eighth theater seating system 1098 is disposed adjacent to thethird section 46 of the seventh theater seating system 1096, and thefourth section 48 of the eighth theater seating system 1098 is disposedadjacent to the partition 1031.

This structural arrangement prevents an audience member and/or a staffmember from passing through the chamber defined by a first theaterseating system and the chamber defined by a second theater system thatis disposed adjacent to the first theater seating system, which preventsobstructed views and distractions during a performance. While the thirdsection 46 of a first theater seating system 1084 has been illustratedas disposed adjacent to the third section 46 of a second theater seatingsystem 1086, alternative embodiments can include a theater seatingsystem that forms a first chamber (e.g., chamber 50 of the first theaterseating system 1084) and a second chamber (e.g., chamber 50 of thesecond theater seating system 1086). This can be accomplished, forexample, by utilizing a single section between the first chamber and thesecond chamber such that the separating panel has seven sections, thethird section being disposed between the first chamber and the secondchamber.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second plurality of theater seatingsystems 1062 comprises a first theater seating system 1110, a secondtheater seating system 1112, a third theater seating system 1114, afourth theater seating system 1116, a fifth theater seating system 1118,and a sixth theater seating system 1120. Each of the theater seatingsystems 1110, 1112, 1114, 1116, 1118, and 1120 comprises a theaterseating system 210 as illustrated and described herein with respect toFIGS. 6, 7, and 8.

Each of the first theater seating system 1110 and the second theaterseating system 1112 is disposed on the second elevation 1038. The firsttheater seating system 1110 is disposed adjacent to the second theatersystem 1112 such that the third section 246 of the first theater seatingsystem 1110 is disposed adjacent to the first section 242 of the secondtheater seating system 1112. Each of the third theater seating system1114 and the fourth theater seating system 1116 is disposed on the thirdelevation 1040. The third theater seating system 1114 is disposedadjacent to the fourth theater system 1116 such that the third section246 of the third theater seating system 1114 is disposed adjacent to thefirst section 242 of the fourth theater seating system 1116. Each of thefifth theater seating system 1118 and the sixth theater seating system1120 is disposed on the fourth elevation 1042. The fifth theater seatingsystem 1118 is disposed adjacent to the sixth theater system 1120 suchthat the third section 246 of the fifth theater seating system 1118 isdisposed adjacent to the first section 242 of the sixth theater seatingsystem 1120.

In the illustrated embodiment, the third plurality of theater seatingsystems 1064 comprises a first theater seating system 1130, a secondtheater seating system 1132, a third theater seating system 1134, afourth theater seating system 1136, a fifth theater seating system 1138,and a sixth theater seating system 1140. Each of the theater seatingsystems 1130, 1132, 1134, 1136, 1138, and 1140 comprises a theaterseating system 210 as illustrated and described herein with respect toFIGS. 6, 7, and 8.

Each of the first theater seating system 1130 and the second theaterseating system 1132 is disposed on the second elevation 1038. The firsttheater seating system 1130 is disposed adjacent to the second theatersystem 1132 such that the third section 246 of the first theater seatingsystem 1130 is disposed adjacent to the first section 242 of the secondtheater seating system 1132. Each of the third theater seating system1134 and the fourth theater seating system 1136 is disposed on the thirdelevation 1040. The third theater seating system 1134 is disposedadjacent to the fourth theater system 1136 such that the third section246 of the third theater seating system 1134 is disposed adjacent to thefirst section 242 of the fourth theater seating system 1136. Each of thefifth theater seating system 1138 and the sixth theater seating system1140 is disposed on the fourth elevation 1042. The fifth theater seatingsystem 1138 is disposed adjacent to the sixth theater system 1140 suchthat the third section 246 of the fifth theater seating system 1138 isdisposed adjacent to the first section 242 of the sixth theater seatingsystem 1140.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of double theater loungeseats 1066 comprises a first set of double theater lounge seats 1150, asecond set of double theater lounge seats 1152, a third set of doubletheater lounge seats 1154, and a fourth set of double theater loungeseats 1156. Each double theater lounge seat of the plurality of doubletheater lounge seats 1066 comprises a double theater lounge seat 410 asillustrated and described herein with respect to FIGS. 9, 10, and 11.Each double theater lounge seat of the first set of double theaterlounge seats 1150 and the second set of double theater lounge seats 1152is disposed on the fifth elevation 1044. Each double theater lounge seatof the third set of double theater lounge seats 1154 and the fourth setof double theater lounge seats 1156 is disposed on the sixth elevation1046.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of single theater loungeseats 1068 comprises a first single theater lounge seat 1160, a secondsingle theater lounge seat 1162, a third single theater lounge seat1164, and a fourth single theater lounge seat 1166. Each single theaterlounge seat of the plurality of single theater lounge seats 1068comprises a single theater lounge seat 510 as illustrated and describedherein with respect to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14. The first single theaterlounge seat 1160 is disposed on the fifth elevation 1044 and between thefirst set of double theater lounge seats 1150 and the second set ofdouble theater lounge seats 1152. Each of the second single theaterlounge seat 1162, third single theater lounge seat 1164, and fourthsingle theater lounge seat 1166 is disposed on the sixth elevation 1046.The second single theater lounge seat 1162 is disposed between the firstaisle 1072 and the third set of double theater lounge seats 1154. Thethird single theater lounge seat 1164 is disposed between the third setof double theater lounge seats 1154 and the fourth set of double theaterlounge seats 1156. The fourth single theater lounge seat 1166 isdisposed between the fourth aisle 1078 and the fourth set of doubletheater lounge seats 1156.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of theater seats 1070comprises a first theater seat 1170, a second theater seat 1172, a thirdtheater seat 1174, and a fourth theater seat 1176. Each theater seat ofthe plurality of theater seats 1070 comprises a theater seat 810 asillustrated and described herein with respect to FIG. 16. Each of thefirst theater seat 1170, the second theater seat 1172, the third theaterseat 1174, and the fourth theater seat 1176 is disposed on the firstelevation 1036. The first theater seat 1170 is disposed adjacent to thesecond theater seat 1172. Each of the first theater seat 1170 and secondtheater seat 1172 is disposed on a first side of the first theaterseating system 1084 and the second theater seating system 1086 such thatthe first theater seat 1170 is adjacent the first aisle 1072 and thesecond theater seat 1172 is adjacent the second aisle 1074. The thirdtheater seat 1174 is disposed adjacent to the fourth theater seat 1176.Each of the third theater seat 1174 and fourth theater seat 1176 isdisposed on a second side of the first theater seating system 1084 andthe second theater seating system 1086 such that the third theater seat1174 is adjacent the third aisle 1076 and the fourth theater seat 1176is adjacent the fourth aisle 1078.

FIG. 20 illustrates another example embodiment of a theater seatingarrangement 1210. Theater seating arrangement 1210 is similar to thetheater seating arrangement 1010 illustrated in FIGS. 17, 18, and 19 anddescribed above, except as detailed below. In the illustratedembodiment, the theater seating arrangement 1210 comprises a theater1212, a first plurality of theater seating systems 1260, a secondplurality of theater seating systems 1262, a third plurality of theaterseating systems 1264, a plurality of double theater lounge seats 1266, aplurality of single theater lounge seats 1268, a first plurality oftheater seats 1270, a second plurality of theater seats 1271, a firstaisle 1272, a second aisle 1274, a third aisle 1276, a fourth aisle1278, a fifth aisle 1280, and a forestage 1282.

In the illustrated embodiment, the theater 1212 has a first wall 1220, asecond wall 1222, a third wall 1224, a fourth wall 1226, a screen 1228,a floor 1230, a partition 1231, and a ceiling (not shown). The firstwall 1220, the second wall 1222, the third wall 1224, the fourth wall1226, the floor 1230, and the ceiling cooperatively define an audiencearea 1234. The screen 1228 is disposed on the third wall 1224 and issized and configured to illuminate a picture projected on the screen1228.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of double theaterlounge seats 1266 and each of the plurality of single theater loungeseats 1268 is disposed on the sixth elevation 1246. The plurality ofdouble theater lounge seats 1266 comprises a first double theater loungeseat 1350, a second double theater lounge seat 1352, a third doubletheater lounge seat 1134, a fourth double theater lounge seat 1356, anda fifth double theater lounge seat 1358. Each double theater lounge seat1350, 1352, 1354, 1356, and 1358 comprises a double theater lounge seat410 as illustrated and described herein with respect to FIGS. 9, 10, and11. The plurality of single theater lounge seats 1268 comprises a firstsingle theater lounge seat 1360, a second single theater lounge seat1362, and a third single theater lounge seat 1364. Each single theaterlounge seat 1360, 1362, and 1364 comprises a single theater lounge seat510 as illustrated and described herein with respect to FIGS. 12, 13,and 14.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the second plurality of theaterseats 1271 is disposed on the fifth elevation 1244. Each theater seat ofthe second plurality of theater seats 1271 comprises a theater seat 710as illustrated and described herein with respect to FIG. 15.

The first single theater lounge seat 1360 is disposed adjacent to thefirst aisle 1272 and the first double theater lounge seat 1350. Thesecond double theater lounge seat 1352 is disposed adjacent to the firstdouble theater lounge seat 1350 and the second single theater loungeseat 1362. The third double theater lounge seat 1354 is disposedadjacent to the second single theater lounge seat 1362 and the fourthdouble theater lounge seat 1356. The fifth double theater lounge seat1358 is disposed adjacent to the fourth double theater lounge seat 1356and the third single theater lounge seat 1364. The third single theaterlounge seat 1364 is disposed adjacent to the fifth double theater loungeseat 1358 and the fourth aisle 1278.

While a particular theater seating arrangement has been illustrated inFIGS. 17, 18, and 19 and in FIG. 20, any suitable theater seatingarrangement can be used within a theater. Selection of a suitabletheater seating arrangement can be based on various considerations suchas the desired number of audience members intended to be seated with thetheater and/or the number of theater seating systems intended to bepositioned within the theater. Example theater seating arrangementsconsidered suitable include arrangements that include only theaterseating systems, such as those illustrated and described with respect toFIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and/or those illustrated and described withrespect to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, arrangements that include only doubletheater lounge seats, such as those illustrated and described withrespect to FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 and/or those illustrated and describedwith respect to FIG. 21, arrangements that include only single theaterlounge seats, such as those illustrated and described with respect toFIGS. 12, 13, and 14, arrangements that include only theater seats, suchas those illustrated and described with respect to FIG. 15 and/or FIG.16, arrangements that include only a combination of theater seatingsystems, such as those illustrated and described with respect to FIGS.1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and/or those illustrated and described with respect toFIGS. 6, 7, and 8, and double theater lounge seats, such as thoseillustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 and/orthose illustrated and described with respect to FIG. 21, arrangementsthat include only a combination of theater seating systems, such asthose illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5and/or those illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 6, 7, and8, and single theater lounge seats, such as those illustrated anddescribed with respect to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14, arrangements thatinclude only a combination of theater seating systems, such as thoseillustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and/orthose illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, andtheater seats, such as those illustrated and described with respect toFIG. 15 and/or FIG. 16, arrangements that include only a combination ofdouble theater lounge seats, such as those illustrated and describedwith respect to FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 and/or those illustrated anddescribed with respect to FIG. 21, and single theater lounge seats, suchas those illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14,arrangements that include only a combination of double theater loungeseats, such as those illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 9,10, and 11 and/or those illustrated and described with respect to FIG.21, and theater seats, such as those illustrated and described withrespect to FIG. 15 and/or FIG. 16, arrangements that include only acombination of single theater lounge seats, such as those illustratedand described with respect to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14, and theater seats,such as those illustrated and described with respect to FIG. 15 and/orFIG. 16, arrangements that include only a combination of theater seatingsystems, such as those illustrated and described with respect to FIGS.1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and/or those illustrated and described with respect toFIGS. 6, 7, and 8, double theater lounge seats, such as thoseillustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 9, 10, 11 and/or thoseillustrated and described with respect to FIG. 21, single theater loungeseats, such as those illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 12,13, and 14, and theater seats, such as those illustrated and describedwith respect to FIG. 15 and/or FIG. 16, arrangements that include only acombination of theater seating systems, such as those illustrated anddescribed with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and/or thoseillustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, doubletheater lounge seats, such as those illustrated and described withrespect to FIGS. 9, 10, 11 and/or those illustrated and described withrespect to FIG. 21, and single theater lounge seats, such as thoseillustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14,arrangements that include only a combination of double theater loungeseats, such as those illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 9,10, 11 and/or those illustrated and described with respect to FIG. 21,single theater lounge seats, such as those illustrated and describedwith respect to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14, and theater seats, such as thoseillustrated and described with respect to FIG. 15 and/or FIG. 16,arrangements that include only a combination of theater seating systems,such as those illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3,4, and 5 and/or those illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 6,7, and 8, double theater lounge seats, such as those illustrated anddescribed with respect to FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 and/or those illustratedand described with respect to FIG. 21, and theater seats, such as thoseillustrated and described with respect to FIG. 15 and/or FIG. 16,arrangements that include only a combination of theater seating systems,such as those illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3,4, and 5 and/or those illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 6,7, and 8, single theater lounge seats, such as those illustrated anddescribed with respect to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14, and theater seats, suchas those illustrated and described with respect to FIG. 15 and/or FIG.16, arrangements such as those described herein except the theaterseating system, double theater lounge seat, single theater lounge seat,and/or theater seat is replaced with a theater seating system, such asthose illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5and/or those illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 6, 7, and8, a double theater lounge seat, such as those illustrated and describedwith respect to FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 and/or those illustrated anddescribed with respect to FIG. 21, a single theater lounge seat, such asthose illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14, ora theater seat, such as those illustrated and described with respect toFIG. 15 and/or FIG. 16, and any other combination considered suitablefor a particular embodiment. For example, a theater seating arrangementcan include a first theater seating system and a second theater seatingsystem. The first theater seating system is disposed adjacent the secondtheater seating system such that the third section of the first theaterseating system is disposed adjacent the third section of the secondtheater seating system and such that the opening defined by theseparating panel of the first theater seating system provides access tothe chamber of the first theater seating system from a first aisle andthe opening defined by the separating panel of the second theaterseating system provides access to the chamber of the second theaterseating system from a second aisle that is different than the firstaisle.

FIG. 21 illustrates another example embodiment of a double theaterlounge seat 1410 that is similar to the double theater lounge seat 410illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 and described above, except asdetailed below. In the illustrated embodiment, the double theater loungeseat 1410 comprises a base 1412, a cushion 1414, and a table 1416.

In the illustrated embodiment, the base 1412 comprises a first end 1420,a second end 1422, a first side 1424, a second side 1426, a bottom 1428,and a body 1430 that defines a recess 1432, a curved surface 1434, and astorage chamber 1436. The storage chamber 1436 extends into the body1430 from an opening on the second end 1422 toward the first end 1420and from an opening on the bottom 1428 toward the recess 1432. Thestorage chamber 1436 is sized and configured to house one or more items(e.g., coat, purse).

While a single storage chamber 1436 has been illustrated on the secondend of the base 1412, a base of a theater seat can include any suitablenumber of storage chambers that are positioned at any suitable locationon the base. Selection of a suitable number of storage chambers toinclude on a base and a suitable location to position each storagechamber can be based on various considerations, including the intendeduse of the theater seat and the desired number of audience membersintended to be seated on the theater seat. Example number of storagechambers considered suitable to define on a base include one, at leastone, two, a plurality, three, four, and any other number consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment. Example locations consideredsuitable to position a storage chamber include on the first end, on thesecond end, on the first side, on the second side of a base, and anyother location considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cushion 1414 is sized and configuredto seat a first audience member and a second audience member during aperformance. The cushion 1414 has a bottom member 1450 and a top member1452. The bottom member 1450 has a first end 1454, a second end 1456, afirst side 1458, second side 1460, and defines a passageway 1461. Thepassageway 1461 extends through the bottom member 1450 and is sized andconfigured to receive a portion of the arm 1476 of the table 1416, asdescribed in more detail herein. The top member 1452 of the cushion 1414has a first end 1470, a second end 1472, a first side 1473, and a secondside 1474. The top member 1452 is disposed on the base 1412 such that itextends from beyond the first end 1420 and toward the second end 1422 toa location between the first end 1420 and the second end 1422. Thebottom member 1450 is disposed on the base 1412 such that it extendsfrom the top member 1452 (e.g., between the first end 1420 and thesecond end 1422 of the base 1412) to beyond the second end 1422 of thebase 1412. In the illustrated embodiment, the top member 1452 acts as aheadrest for a first audience member and/or a second audience memberthat is positioned on the cushion 1414 during a performance.

In the illustrated embodiment, the table 1416 is disposed between thefirst end 1420 and the second end 1422 and between the first side 1424and the second side 1426 of the base 1412. The table 1416 includes anarm 1476 and a counter 1478. The arm 1476 of the table 1416 has a firstend attached to the base 1412, and a second end 1482 attached to thecounter 1478. The arm 1476 extends from the first end, through thepassageway 1461 defined by the bottom member 1450 of the cushion 1414 tothe second end 1482. In the illustrated embodiment, the counter 1478 isfixedly attached to the arm 1476 and is sized and configured to supportone or more items (e.g., a drink or food item).

While the counter 1478 of the first table 1416 has been illustrated asfixedly attached to the arm 1476 of the table 1416, alternativeembodiments can include a counter that is movable relative to an arm.For example, a counter can be pivotably attached to the second end of anarm such that it can be moved between a first position, a secondposition, and a third position. In the first position, the counter canbe partially disposed over a first portion of a cushion such that amajority of the surface area of the counter is disposed over the cushionbetween the arm and the first side of the cushion. In the secondposition, the counter can be partially disposed over a second portion ofthe cushion such that a majority of the surface area of the counter isdisposed over the cushion between the arm and the second side of thecushion. In the third position, the counter can be positioned betweenthe first side and the second side of the cushion.

While the double theater lounge seat 1410 has been illustrated asincluding a table 1416, a theater seat can include any suitable numberof tables and selection of a suitable number of tables to include on atheater seat can be based on various considerations, such as the numberof audience members intended to be seated on the theater seat. Examplenumbers of tables considered suitable to include on a theater seatinclude one, at least one, two, a plurality, three, and any other numberconsidered suitable for a particular embodiment. For example, a theaterseat can include combinations, or variations, of the tableconfigurations illustrated with respect to double theater lounge seat410, single theater lounge seat 510, and double theater lounge seat1410.

FIG. 22 illustrates another example embodiment of a theater seatingarrangement 1510. Theater seating arrangement 1510 is similar to thetheater seating arrangement 1010 illustrated in FIGS. 17, 18, and 19 anddescribed above, except as detailed below. In the illustratedembodiment, the theater seating arrangement 1510 comprises a theater1512, a first plurality of theater seating systems 1560, a secondplurality of theater seating systems 1562, a third plurality of theaterseating systems 1564, a plurality of double theater lounge seats 1566, aplurality of single theater lounge seats 1568, a first plurality oftheater seats 1570, a first aisle 1572, a second aisle 1574, a thirdaisle 1576, a fourth aisle 1578, a fifth aisle 1580, and a forestage1582.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first plurality of theater seatingsystems 1560 is disposed within the theater 1512 and comprises a firsttheater seating system 1584, a second theater seating system 1586, athird theater seating system 1588, a fourth theater seating system 1590,a fifth theater seating system 1592, a sixth theater seating system1594, a seventh theater seating system 1596, and an eighth theaterseating system 1598. Each of the theater seating systems 1584, 1588,1592, and 1596 comprises a theater seating system 10 as illustrated anddescribed herein with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and has anopening that provides access to the chamber from the second aisle 1574.Each of the theater seating systems 1586, 1590, 1594, and 1598 comprisesa theater seating system 10 as illustrated and described herein withrespect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, except that the separating panelincluded in the theater seating systems 1586, 1590, 1594, and 1598 is amirrored configuration of that illustrated and described with respect toFIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Each of the theater seating systems 1586, 1590,1594, and 1598 has an opening that provides access to the chamber fromthe third aisle 1576.

Each of the first theater seating system 1584 and the second theaterseating system 1586 is disposed on the first elevation 1536. Each of thethird theater seating system 1588 and the fourth theater seating system1590 is disposed on the second elevation 1538. Each of the fifth theaterseating system 1592 and the sixth theater seating system 1594 isdisposed on the third elevation 1540. Each of the seventh theaterseating system 1596 and the eighth theater seating system 1598 isdisposed on the fourth elevation 1542.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second plurality of theater seatingsystems 1562 is disposed within the theater 1512 and comprises a firsttheater seating system 1610, a second theater seating system 1612, athird theater seating system 1614, a fourth theater seating system 1616,a fifth theater seating system 1618, and a sixth theater seating system1620. Each of the theater seating systems 1610, 1614, and 1618 comprisesa theater seating system 10 as illustrated and described herein withrespect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and has an opening that providesaccess to the chamber from the first aisle 1572. Each of the theaterseating systems 1612, 1616, and 1620 comprises a theater seating system10 as illustrated and described herein with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4,and 5, except that the separating panel included in the theater seatingsystems 1612, 1616, and 1620 is a mirrored configuration of thatillustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Eachof the theater seating systems 1612, 1616, and 1620 has an opening thatprovides access to the chamber from the second aisle 1574.

Each of the first theater seating system 1610 and the second theaterseating system 1612 is disposed on the second elevation 1538. Each ofthe third theater seating system 1614 and the fourth theater seatingsystem 1616 is disposed on the third elevation 1540. Each of the fifththeater seating system 1618 and the sixth theater seating system 1620 isdisposed on the fourth elevation 1542.

In the illustrated embodiment, the third plurality of theater seatingsystems 1564 is disposed within the theater 1512 and comprises a firsttheater seating system 1630, a second theater seating system 1632, athird theater seating system 1634, a fourth theater seating system 1636,a fifth theater seating system 1638, and a sixth theater seating system1640. Each of the theater seating systems 1630, 1634, and 1638 comprisesa theater seating system 10 as illustrated and described herein withrespect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and has an opening that providesaccess to the chamber from the third aisle 1576. Each of the theaterseating systems 1632, 1636, and 1640 comprises a theater seating system10 as illustrated and described herein with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4,and 5, except that the separating panel included in the theater seatingsystems 1632, 1636, and 1640 is a mirrored configuration of thatillustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Eachof the theater seating systems 1632, 1636, and 1640 has an opening thatprovides access to the chamber from the fourth aisle 1578.

Each of the first theater seating system 1630 and the second theaterseating system 1632 is disposed on the second elevation 1538. Each ofthe third theater seating system 1634 and the fourth theater seatingsystem 1636 is disposed on the third elevation 1540. Each of the fifththeater seating system 1638 and the sixth theater seating system 1640 isdisposed on the fourth elevation 1542.

This structural arrangement prevents an audience member and/or a staffmember from passing through the chamber defined by a first theaterseating system and the chamber defined by a second theater system thatis disposed adjacent to the first theater seating system, which preventsobstructed views and distractions during a performance.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of double theater loungeseats 1566 comprises a first set of double theater lounge seats 1650, asecond set of double theater lounge seats 1652, a third set of doubletheater lounge seats 1654, and a fourth set of double theater loungeseats 1656. Each double theater lounge seat of the plurality of doubletheater lounge seats 1566 comprises a double theater lounge seat 1410 asillustrated and described herein with respect to FIG. 21. Each doubletheater lounge seat of the first set of double theater lounge seats 1650and the second set of double theater lounge seats 1652 is disposed onthe fifth elevation 1544. Each double theater lounge seat of the thirdset of double theater lounge seats 1654 and the fourth set of doubletheater lounge seats 1656 is disposed on the sixth elevation 1546.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of single theater loungeseats 1568 comprises a first single theater lounge seat 1660, a secondsingle theater lounge seat 1662, a third single theater lounge seat1664, and a fourth single theater lounge seat 1666. Each single theaterlounge seat of the plurality of single theater lounge seats 1568comprises a single theater lounge seat 510 as illustrated and describedherein with respect to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14. The first single theaterlounge seat 1660 is disposed on the fifth elevation 1544 and between thefirst set of double theater lounge seats 1650 and the second set ofdouble theater lounge seats 1652. Each of the second single theaterlounge seat 1662, third single theater lounge seat 1664, and fourthsingle theater lounge seat 1666 is disposed on the sixth elevation 1546.The second single theater lounge seat 1662 is disposed between the firstaisle 1572 and the third set of double theater lounge seats 1654. Thethird single theater lounge seat 1664 is disposed between the third setof double theater lounge seats 1654 and the fourth set of double theaterlounge seats 1656. The fourth single theater lounge seat 1666 isdisposed between the fourth aisle 1578 and the fourth set of doubletheater lounge seats 1656.

While a particular theater seating arrangement has been illustrated inFIG. 22, any suitable theater seating arrangement can be used within atheater. Selection of a suitable theater seating arrangement can bebased on various considerations such as the desired number of audiencemembers intended to be seated with the theater and/or the number oftheater seating systems intended to be positioned within the theater.Example theater seating arrangements considered suitable includearrangements that include only theater seating systems, such as thoseillustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and/orthose illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8,arrangements that include only theater seating systems, such as thoseillustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and/orthose illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, onthe first elevation, second elevation, third elevation, and/or fourthelevation and only double theater lounge seats, such as thoseillustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 9, 10, 11 and/or thoseillustrated and described with respect to FIG. 21, on the fifthelevation and/or sixth elevation, arrangements that include only theaterseating systems, such as those illustrated and described with respect toFIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and/or those illustrated and described withrespect to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, on the first elevation, second elevation,third elevation, and/or fourth elevation and only single theater loungeseats, such as those illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 12,13, and 14, on the fifth elevation and/or sixth elevation, arrangementsthat include only theater seating systems, such as those illustrated anddescribed with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and/or thoseillustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, on thefirst elevation, second elevation, third elevation, and/or fourthelevation and only theater seats, such as those illustrated anddescribed with respect to FIG. 15 and/or FIG. 16, on the fifth elevationand/or sixth elevation, and any other arrangement considered suitablefor a particular embodiment.

FIG. 23 illustrates another example embodiment of a theater seatingarrangement 1710. Theater seating arrangement 1710 is similar to thetheater seating arrangement 1510 illustrated in FIG. 22 and describedabove, except as detailed below. In the illustrated embodiment, thetheater seating arrangement 1710 comprises a theater 1712, a firstplurality of theater seating systems 1760, a second plurality of theaterseating systems 1762, a third plurality of theater seating systems 1764,a first aisle 1772, a second aisle 1774, a third aisle 1776, a fourthaisle 1778, and a forestage 1782. The floor 1730 of the theater 1712 hasa first elevation 1736, a second elevation 1738, a third elevation 1740,a fourth elevation 1742, a fifth elevation 1744, and a sixth elevation1746.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first plurality of theater seatingsystems 1760 is disposed within the theater 1712 and comprises a firsttheater seating system 1784, a second theater seating system 1786, athird theater seating system 1788, a fourth theater seating system 1790,a fifth theater seating system 1792, a sixth theater seating system1794, a seventh theater seating system 1796, an eighth theater seatingsystem 1798, a ninth theater seating system 1800, a tenth theaterseating system 1802, an eleventh theater seating system 1804, and atwelfth theater seating system 1806. Each of the theater seating systems1784, 1788, 1792, 1796, 1800, and 1804 comprises a theater seatingsystem 10 as illustrated and described herein with respect to FIGS. 1,2, 3, 4, and 5 and has an opening that provides access to the chamberfrom the second aisle 1774. Each of the theater seating systems 1786,1790, 1794, 1798, 1802, and 1806 comprises a theater seating system 10as illustrated and described herein with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4,and 5, except that the separating panel included in the theater seatingsystems 1786, 1790, 1794, 1798, 1802, and 1806 is a mirroredconfiguration of that illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 1,2, 3, 4, and 5. Each of the theater seating systems 1786, 1790, 1794,1798, 1802, and 1806 has an opening that provides access to the chamberfrom the third aisle 1776.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second plurality of theater seatingsystems 1762 is disposed within the theater 1712 and comprises a firsttheater seating system 1808, a second theater seating system 1810, athird theater seating system 1812, a fourth theater seating system 1814,a fifth theater seating system 1816, a sixth theater seating system1818, a seventh theater seating system 1820, an eighth theater seatingsystem 1822, a ninth theater seating system 1824, and a tenth theaterseating system 1826. Each of the theater seating systems 1808, 1812,1816, 1820, and 1824 comprises a theater seating system 10 asillustrated and described herein with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5and has an opening that provides access to the chamber from the firstaisle 1772. Each of the theater seating systems 1810, 1814, 1818, 1822,and 1826 comprises a theater seating system 10 as illustrated anddescribed herein with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, except thatthe separating panel included in the theater seating systems 1810, 1814,1818, 1822, and 1826 is a mirrored configuration of that illustrated anddescribed with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Each of the theaterseating systems 1810, 1814, 1818, 1822, and 1826 has an opening thatprovides access to the chamber from the second aisle 1774.

In the illustrated embodiment, the third plurality of theater seatingsystems 1764 is disposed within the theater 1712 and comprises a firsttheater seating system 1828, a second theater seating system 1830, athird theater seating system 1832, a fourth theater seating system 1834,a fifth theater seating system 1836, a sixth theater seating system1838, a seventh theater seating system 1840, an eighth theater seatingsystem 1842, a ninth theater seating system 1844, and a tenth theaterseating system 1846. Each of the theater seating systems 1828, 1832,1836, 1840, and 1844 comprises a theater seating system 10 asillustrated and described herein with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5and has an opening that provides access to the chamber from the thirdaisle 1776. Each of the theater seating systems 1830, 1834, 1838, 1842,and 1846 comprises a theater seating system 10 as illustrated anddescribed herein with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, except thatthe separating panel included in the theater seating systems 1830, 1834,1838, 1842, and 1846 is a mirrored configuration of that illustrated anddescribed with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Each of the theaterseating systems 1830, 1834, 1838, 1842, and 1846 has an opening thatprovides access to the chamber from the fourth aisle 1778.

This structural arrangement prevents an audience member and/or a staffmember from passing through the chamber defined by a first theaterseating system and the chamber defined by a second theater system thatis disposed adjacent to the first theater seating system, which preventsobstructed views and distractions during a performance.

FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate another example embodiment of a theaterseating system 1910 that is similar to the theater seating system 10illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and described above, except asdetailed below. In the illustrated embodiment, a first light source2052, a first service call button 2054, a first light control button2056, and a first cup holder 2058 are disposed on the first section 1942of the separating panel 1912 and a second light source 2060, a secondservice call button 2062, a second light control button 2064, and asecond cup holder 2066 are disposed on the third section 1946 of theseparating panel 1912. Each of the first light source 2052, the firstservice call button 2054, the first light control button 2056, and thefirst cup holder 2058 is disposed on the inner surface 1938 of theseparating panel 1912 and between the first end of the separating panel1912 and the second section of the separating panel 1912 and between thebottom surface of the separating panel 1912 and the top surface 1934 ofthe separating panel 1912. In the illustrated embodiment, each of thefirst light source 2052, the first service call button 2054, the firstlight control button 2056, and the first cup holder 2058 is disposedbetween the armrest 1988 of the first seat 1914 and the top surface 1934of the separating panel 1912.

Each of the second light source 2060, the second service call button2062, the second light control button 2064, and the second cup holder2066 is disposed on the inner surface 1938 of the separating panel 1912and between the second section of the separating panel 1912 and thefourth section of the separating panel 1912 and between the bottomsurface of the separating panel 1912 and the top surface 1934 of theseparating panel 1912. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the secondlight source 2060, the second service call button 2062, the second lightcontrol button 2064, and the second cup holder 2066 is disposed betweenthe armrest 2010 of the second seat 1916 and the top surface 1934 of theseparating panel 1912.

Each of the first light source 2052 and second light source 2060 isdisposed within an opening defined by the separating panel 1912 and hasa first, off, state and a second, on, state. Each of the first lightsource 2052 and second light source 2060 is operatively connected to apower source (not shown). The first light source 2052 is operativelyconnected to the first light control button 2056 and the second lightsource 2060 is operatively connected to the second light control button2064. The first light source 2052 is movable between the first, off,state and the second, on, state via activation of the first lightcontrol button 2056 and the second light source 2060 is movable betweenthe first, off, state and the second, on, state via activation of thesecond light control button 2064. The first light source 2052 isdirected toward the table included in the theater seating system 1910and/or the first seat 1914 such that when the first light source 2052 isin the second, on, state, it illuminates the table and any structuredisposed on the table. The second light source 2060 is directed towardthe table included in the theater seating system 1910 and/or the secondseat 1916 such that when the second light source 2060 is in the second,on, state, it illuminates the table and any structure disposed on thetable.

Any suitable light source can be included in a theater seating system,and selection of a suitable light source for a first light source and/orsecond light source can be based on various considerations, includingthe desired amount of illumination intended to be directed toward atable or other structure disposed within a chamber defined by aseparating panel. Example light sources considered suitable to includein a theater seating system include incandescent light bulbs, compactfluorescent light bulbs, halogen light bulbs, light emitting diodes, andany other light source considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

Each of the first service call button 1254 and the second service callbutton 2062 is operatively connected to a signaling device and isconfigured to be activated by an audience member seated in the firsttheater seat 1914 or second theater seat 1916. When either of the firstservice call button 1254 or the second service call button 2062 isactivated by an audience member, the signaling device is activated toindicate to a staff member that the audience member desires attention(e.g., would like to order food or a beverage). The first light controlbutton 2056 is configured to be activated by an audience member seatedin the first theater seat 1914 and the second light control button 2064is configured to be activated by an audience member seated in the secondtheater seat 1916. The first light control button 2056 is operativelyconnected to the first light source 2052 and is configured to activateand deactivate the first light source 2052 and the second light controlbutton 2064 is operatively connected to the second light source 2060 andis configured to activate and deactivate the second light source 2060.

Each of the first service call button 1254 and the second service callbutton 2062 can comprise any suitable means and/or structure and beoperatively connected to any suitable signaling device and selection ofa suitable means and/or structure for a service call button and asuitable signaling device can be based on various considerations,including the distance between the service call button and the signalingdevice. Example means and/or structures considered suitable for aservice call button and/or a signaling device include service controlbuttons that are wired to a signaling device, service control buttonsthat are wirelessly connected to a signaling device, signaling devicesthat illustrate a service call on a display, and any other means,structure, and/or signaling device considered suitable for a particularembodiment.

Each of the first cup holder 2058 and the second cup holder 2066 ismoveable between a first position and a second position. In the firstposition, as shown in FIG. 24, the first cup holder 2058 is disposedwithin a first recess 2068 defined by the separating panel 1912 thatextends from the inner surface 1938 and toward the outer surface 1940.In the second position, the first cup holder 2058 is disposed outside ofthe first recess 2068 such that it is configured to receive a portion ofa cup (e.g., base of cup), or other structure. In the first position,the second cup holder 2066 is disposed within a second recess 2070defined by the separating panel 1912 that extends from the inner surface1938 and toward the outer surface 1940. In the second position, as shownin FIG. 25, the second cup holder 2066 is disposed outside of the secondrecess 2070 such that it is configured to receive a portion of a cup(e.g., base of cup), or other structure.

The configuration of the first light source 2052, the first service callbutton 2054, the first light control button 2056, the first cup holder2058, the second light source 2060, the second service call button 2062,the second light control button 2064, and the second cup holder 2066illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 24 and 25 can be used inthe alternative to, or in combination with, the configuration of thelight source, service call button, light control button, and/or cupholders illustrated and described with respect FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5and illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8.Alternative embodiments can include, or replace either a light controlbutton or service call button with, a seat control button, as describedherein. In embodiments in which the configuration illustrated anddescribed in FIGS. 24 and 25 is included in the theater seating system210 illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, each ofthe first light source, the first service call button, the first lightcontrol button, and the first cup holder will be disposed on the firstsection of the separating panel and each of the second light source, thesecond service call button, the second light control button, and thesecond cup holder will be disposed on the third section of theseparating panel. The first light source, the first service call button,the first light control button, and the first cup holder will bedisposed between the first end of the separating panel and the secondsection of the separating panel. The second light source, the secondservice call button, the second light control button, and the second cupholder will be disposed between the second end of the separating paneland the second section of the separating panel.

Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that variousmodifications and alternatives for the described and illustratedembodiments can be developed in light of the overall teachings of thedisclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed areintended to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of theinvention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claimsand any and all equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A double theater lounge seat, comprising: a basehaving a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, and abottom; a cushion having a bottom member and a top member, the topmember disposed on the base and extending from a location beyond thefirst end toward the second end, the bottom member extending from alocation between the first end and the second end to a location beyondthe second end, the bottom member defining a passageway extendingthrough the bottom member; and a table disposed between the first endand the second end and between the first side and the second side, thetable having an arm and a counter, the arm having a first arm endattached to the base and a second arm end attached to the counter, thearm extending through the passageway.
 2. The double theater lounge seatof claim 1, wherein the first side has a first side upper surface, afirst first side height extending from the bottom of the base to thefirst side upper surface, and a second first side height extending fromthe bottom of the base to the first side upper surface; wherein thefirst first side height is greater than the second first side height. 3.The double theater lounge seat of claim 2, wherein the second side has asecond side upper surface, a first second side height extending from thebottom of the base to the second side upper surface, and a second secondside height extending from the bottom of the base to the second sideupper surface; wherein the first second side height is greater than thesecond second side height.
 4. The double theater lounge seat of claim 3,wherein the first first side height and the first second side height arepositioned between the first end and the second end of the base.
 5. Thedouble theater lounge seat of claim 4, wherein the second first sideheight is positioned between the first first side height and the secondend of the base; and wherein the second second side height is positionedbetween the first second side height and the second end of the base. 6.The double theater lounge seat of claim 1, wherein the top member of thecushion has a top member first end, a top member second end, a topmember first side, a top member second side, a top member first widthextending from the top member first side to the top member second sideat the top member first end, and a top member second width extendingfrom the top member first side to the top member second side at the topmember second end; and wherein the top member second width is greaterthan the top member first width.
 7. The double theater lounge seat ofclaim 6, wherein the top member second end is disposed adjacent thebottom member of the cushion.
 8. The double theater lounge seat of claim1, wherein the bottom member of the cushion has a bottom member firstend, a bottom member second end, a bottom member first side, a bottommember second side, a bottom member first width extending from thebottom member first side to the bottom member second side at the bottommember first end, and a bottom member second width extending from thebottom member first side to the bottom member second side at the bottommember second end; and wherein the bottom member first width is greaterthan the bottom member second width.
 9. The double theater lounge seatof claim 8, wherein the bottom member first end is disposed adjacent thetop member of the cushion.
 10. The double theater lounge seat of claim1, wherein the top member of the cushion has a top member first end, atop member second end, a top member first side, a top member secondside, a top member first width extending from the top member first sideto the top member second side at the top member first end, and a topmember second width extending from the top member first side to the topmember second side at the top member second end; wherein the bottommember of the cushion has a bottom member first end, a bottom membersecond end, a bottom member first side, a bottom member second side, abottom member first width extending from the bottom member first side tothe bottom member second side at the bottom member first end, and abottom member second width extending from the bottom member first sideto the bottom member second side at the bottom member second end;wherein the top member second end is disposed adjacent the bottom memberfirst end; wherein the top member second width is greater than the topmember first width; and wherein the bottom member first width is greaterthan the bottom member second width.
 11. The double theater lounge seatof claim 1, wherein the base defines an opening cooperatively defined bythe second end and the bottom; and wherein the opening provides accessto a storage chamber defined by the base.
 12. The double theater loungeseat of claim 1, wherein the counter is movable relative to the arm. 13.The double theater lounge seat of claim 12, wherein the counter ispivotably attached to the second end of the arm.
 14. The double theaterlounge seat of claim 1, further comprising a second table comprising asecond arm and a second counter, the second arm attached to the base andthe second counter attached to the second arm.
 15. A double theaterlounge seat, comprising: a base having a first end, a second end, afirst side, a second side, and a bottom; the first side having a firstside upper surface, a first first side height extending from the bottomof the base to the first side upper surface, and a second first sideheight extending from the bottom of the base to the first side uppersurface, the first first side height being different from the secondfirst side height; the second side having a second side upper surface, afirst second side height extending from the bottom of the base to thesecond side upper surface, and a second second side height extendingfrom the bottom of the base to the second side upper surface, the firstsecond side height being different from the second second side height; acushion having a bottom member and a top member, the top member disposedon the base, extending from a location beyond the first end toward thesecond end, and having a top member first end, a top member second end,a top member first side, a top member second side, a top member firstwidth extending from the top member first side to the top member secondside at the top member first end, and a top member second widthextending from the top member first side to the top member second sideat the top member second end, the top member second width being greaterthan the top member first width, the bottom member extending from alocation between the first end and the second end to a location beyondthe second end, defining a passageway extending through the bottommember, and having a bottom member first end disposed adjacent the topmember second end, a bottom member second end, a bottom member firstside, a bottom member second side, a bottom member first width extendingfrom the bottom member first side to the bottom member second side atthe bottom member first end, and a bottom member second width extendingfrom the bottom member first side to the bottom member second side atthe bottom member second end, the bottom member first width beinggreater than the bottom member second width; and a table disposedbetween the first end and the second end and between the first side andthe second side, the table having an arm and a counter, the arm having afirst arm end attached to the base and a second arm end attached to thecounter, the arm extending through the passageway.
 16. The doubletheater lounge seat of claim 15, wherein the first first side height andthe first second side height are positioned between the first end andthe second end of the base.
 17. The double theater lounge seat of claim16, wherein the second first side height is positioned between the firstfirst side height and the second end of the base; and wherein the secondsecond side height is positioned between the first second side heightand the second end of the base.
 18. A theater seating arrangementcomprising: a theater having a first wall, a second wall, a third wall,a fourth wall, a floor, and a ceiling, the first wall, the second wall,the third wall, the fourth wall, the floor, and the ceilingcooperatively defining an audience area; and a first double theaterlounge seat disposed within the audience area and comprising: a basehaving a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, and abottom; a cushion having a bottom member and a top member, the topmember disposed on the base and extending from a location beyond thefirst end toward the second end, the bottom member extending from alocation between the first end and the second end to a location beyondthe second end, the bottom member defining a passageway extendingthrough the bottom member; and a table disposed between the first endand the second end and between the first side and the second side, thetable having an arm and a counter, the arm having a first arm endattached to the base and a second arm end attached to the counter, thearm extending through the passageway.
 19. The theater seatingarrangement of claim 18, further comprising a second double theaterlounge seat disposed within the audience area, the second double theaterlounge seat comprising: a second base having a second base first end, asecond base second end, a second base first side, a second base secondside, and a second base bottom; a second cushion having a second cushionbottom member and a second cushion top member, the second cushion topmember disposed on the second base and extending from a location beyondthe second base first end toward the second base second end, the secondcushion bottom member extending from a location between the second basefirst end and the second base second end to a location beyond the secondbase second end, the second cushion bottom member defining a secondcushion passageway extending through the second cushion bottom member;and a second table disposed between the second base first end and thesecond base second end and between the second base first side and thesecond base second side, the second table having a second table arm anda second table counter, the second table arm having a second table firstarm end attached to the second base and a second table second arm endattached to the second table counter, the second table arm extendingthrough the second cushion passageway.
 20. The theater seatingarrangement of claim 19, wherein the floor defines a first elevation anda second elevation that is different from the first elevation; andwherein the a first double theater lounge seat is disposed on the floorat the first elevation; and wherein the second double theater loungeseat is disposed on floor at the second elevation.